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There will be no geopolitical discount in the enlargement process

by AI | 14.Jan 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The Commissioner for Enlargement says that the Russian attack on Ukraine has revived the enlargement process, but warns that there will be no relaxation of criteria as the process is still merit-based.

Brussels, 14.01.2025. Commissioner for Enlargement in discussion with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament. Photo: EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

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BRUSSELS – The aggressive war against Ukraine has opened up the possibility for the enlargement of the European Union, but there will be no geopolitical discount, the enlargement process will still be merit-based, said Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos on Tuesday.

 The new Enlargement Commissioner, Slovenian Marta Kos, spoke with members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday. She emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine has revived the enlargement process, but it should not be expected that the conditions for accession will be diluted as a result.

 “There will be no geopolitical discount, the enlargement process will still be merit-based,” said Kos.

 She expressed hope that during the next six months, under the Polish presidency of the EU Council, Ukraine and Moldova will be able to open one or two clusters, and the Western Balkan countries will open several clusters and close some chapters.

 “If the candidate countries persist in their reform efforts, we could have more progress during the Polish presidency than in the last ten years. It is possible to hold 10 intergovernmental accession conferences, and I think it is feasible,” said Kos.

  She added that there are realistic prospects that during the tenure of this Commission, one, two, or three candidate countries will reach the finish line. (January 14, 2025)

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