Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement since 2024, is facing renewed allegations that she cooperated with the Yugoslav secret police, known as UDBA, during the 1980s.
These accusations were raised by Slovenian MEP Romana Tomc, who claims to have obtained new documents and has called for an investigation by the European Commission.
The claims are not new—they were also mentioned during Kos’s confirmation hearing in the European Parliament in 2024. At the time, Kos firmly denied them, calling them “lies and disinformation.”
The debate has resurfaced due to a book by Slovenian author Igor Omerza, who alleges that archival documents indicate links between Kos and Yugoslav intelligence services. Meanwhile, the European Commission maintains that Kos underwent a full vetting process and was duly approved.
The issue has also taken on political significance ahead of elections in Slovenia, and Kos is expected to face further questions in the European Parliament.
Who is Marta Kos?
Marta Kos is a seasoned diplomat, business leader, and communication expert. She currently serves as EU Commissioner for Enlargement, a role previously held by Oliver Varhelyi.
During her time as ambassador to Germany, she became acquainted with Ursula von der Leyen, who was serving as Germany’s Defense Minister at the time.
Kos also served as Slovenia’s ambassador to Switzerland, Latvia, and Liechtenstein. She resigned from her post in Switzerland in 2020, citing disagreements with government foreign policy and concerns over increased oversight of her leadership.
In politics, she was vice president of the Freedom Movement (Slovenia). In 2022, she ran for president of Slovenia but withdrew during the campaign and later left the party.
Before her diplomatic career, she worked as a journalist for RTV Slovenija and as a correspondent in Germany for Deutsche Welle. She later transitioned into government, serving as head of the Government Communication Office and as a government spokesperson.
Kos also has a background in elite swimming, having represented both Slovenia and the former Yugoslavia.
She has received several recognitions, including the “Ambassador of the Year 2016 in Germany” and the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Born on June 28, 1965, Kos is currently married to Henri Getaz, Secretary General of the European Free Trade Association. Her brother, Drago Kos, is an internationally recognized anti-corruption expert.
