Commissioner Marta Kos expressed her pleasure at seeing so many friends of Europe and the Western Balkans at the Western Balkans Summit organized by Friends of Europe.
Kos emphasized that taking on this role is a deeply personal mission for her, highlighting the historic moment in which there is a real possibility that during this term, one or more countries will complete the enlargement process.
She reflected on the significance of enlargement for her life and generation, stressing how European Union (EU) membership brought hope, opportunities, and a vision of a peaceful and prosperous future. She underscored that the EU is a peace project and expressed regret over the wars of the 1990s that brought bitterness and mistrust.
“Of course, my dream is for the entire Western Balkans to integrate into this Union and for borders and bilateral conflicts to disappear, just as they have in many other parts of our continent. I will do everything I can to ensure that bilateral disputes from the past do not permanently block our shared future,” she stated.
Kos also emphasized that enlargement is not merely a technical process but rather the reunification of Europe, calling for renewed enthusiasm around EU enlargement.
The Commissioner recalled the words of Simone Veil, the first female President of the European Parliament, who in 1979 highlighted three main challenges for Europe: peace, freedom, and prosperity, noting that these can only be achieved through the European dimension. Kos added that peace, freedom, and prosperity still depend on a stronger and more united Europe.
“On Sunday, I was in Ukraine together with Council President Antonio Costa and High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas. We went there to show support for a nation that has been resisting Russia’s full-scale war of aggression for more than 1.000 days. I told President Zelenskyy and Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna that the Ukrainian people can count on me to be part of their team and help them prepare their place in the EU. I said the same to all the Western Balkan leaders I met this week, and to Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov. My question was not only what the EU can bring to the countries in the enlargement process but also what they can contribute to a stronger and safer Europe,” she said.
The Commissioner stressed that the new Commission, led by President von der Leyen, actively supports candidate countries and that there is unity in Brussels about building a bigger and stronger Union. She called for the same unity in candidate countries, emphasizing that accession negotiations require intensive efforts from the entire society.
She announced that during her visits to Western Balkan countries and other countries in the enlargement process, she will strive to meet with all segments of society, including human rights defenders, strong women, and youth groups. She highlighted the importance of civil society organizations and promised increased EU financial support for their work.
The Commissioner concluded her speech by emphasizing the values represented by the EU and called for renewed enthusiasm around EU enlargement, stressing that enlargement is about reuniting Europe and that our continent is still not fully united.
