BRUSSELS – European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, emphasized that the completion of Europe’s unification is essential for ensuring peace, freedom, and prosperity across the continent. During her presentation of the 2025 Enlargement Package to the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), she noted that a unified Europe can establish an independent voice globally only by collaborating with those who share European values. She stressed that this goal requires joint efforts with EU neighbors to create a robust, stable, secure, and united Europe grounded in shared principles.
“We Europeans must step up our efforts to take control of our continent, uphold our democratic values, and ensure our security,” she asserted. She pointed out that the swift pace of the accession process for some candidate countries makes successful enlargement a feasible goal in upcoming years. “Each enlargement should reinforce our Union. To this end, we must focus on two key areas: First, prospective member states must be ready to assume membership responsibilities. Second, we must prepare our Union for a larger EU,” Kos stated.
Kos highlighted Montenegro as the most advanced candidate, having made significant strides toward EU accession by achieving essential reform outcomes. She also noted Albania’s progress since the first Intergovernmental Conference in October 2024, with four clusters opened and an expectation to open the remaining cluster by year-end. Concerning Serbia, she remarked that while EU membership is its strategic aim, the implementation of reforms has significantly slowed. Credible reforms, particularly in fundamental principles, are crucial. “Serbia must also enhance alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), promote accurate communication regarding the EU accession process, and reduce anti-EU rhetoric. Addressing the standstill in justice and fundamental rights, as well as ensuring advancements in electoral frameworks, is imperative,” she added. In reference to Moldova, she acknowledged the quick progress it’s made in deepening cooperation with the EU amidst hybrid threats. Ukraine’s commitment to EU integration, through key reforms such as anti-corruption measures and public administration improvements, was also recognized. “Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently facing political tensions, but it submitted its Reform Agenda to the Commission in September 2025, providing an opportunity for EU progress through justice reform and appointing a chief negotiator. North Macedonia must amend its Constitution in line with the 2022 Council conclusions to move forward,” Kos explained.
She noted that Turkey remains a candidate country and a vital partner in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, yet concerns persist regarding declining democratic standards and rule of law. Additionally, Kos indicated a serious decline in Georgia’s democratic standards, marked by the erosion of the rule of law and limitations on fundamental rights. She stressed that the next year will be critical for all candidate countries, especially those with ambitious plans for negotiations. “They must intensify efforts to implement lasting reforms to align their economies and societies with democratic standards,” she insisted, underlining the necessity of respecting the rule of law and fundamental rights while adhering to the EU’s geopolitical stance.
She added that the EU is taking steps to prepare for new members, which is crucial for strengthening the Union. “The Commission is reviewing policies and reforms before enlargement, assessing its impact on key areas. We’re enhancing communication efforts with member states and enlargement countries to discuss the benefits and challenges of enlargement. However, communication alone is insufficient; we must maintain positive dynamics regarding the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights post-accession,” Kos remarked. She also mentioned the EU’s gradual integration efforts with the Instrument for Ukraine and Growth Plans for the Western Balkans and Moldova, recognizing the need for broader collaboration with candidate countries even before membership. Successful integration into European energy markets has been achieved, with energy resilience packages for Ukraine and Moldova serving as examples. Progress is ongoing in aligning with EU technical standards and certifications, which will enhance the single market and strengthen pan-European value chains. “Some candidates have joined the Single European Payment Area, and we are advancing in roaming initiatives as part of these integration efforts linked to reform compliance, especially regarding rule of law and democracy,” she elaborated. Kos stated that future accession agreements should feature stronger safeguards while upholding equality principles to prevent regression in commitments made during negotiations. “Successful future enlargements rely on ensuring high-quality reforms and safeguards that assure our citizens the integrity of our Union and democratic values remain intact,” she concluded, emphasizing that previous enlargements have bolstered the EU’s strength. “This success hinges on our readiness. Let us engage in necessary discussions to ensure that a larger Union becomes a stronger Union,” she finished. (November 4)
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