During a forum on EU enlargement, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos called for an immediate and open debate on the future of the Union and the accession of new member states.
Kos stressed that enlargement has once again become central to peace, democracy, and security on the continent.
“At this critical juncture in our history, the questions about Europe’s future are as significant as those faced by the Union’s founders in the 1950s,” Kos said, referencing the crises and challenges the EU currently faces.
She emphasized that the EU must urgently protect European democracies from autocratic influences and safeguard the continent’s space for freedom.
“We must push back against forces seeking to destabilize Europe. We must protect our space for freedom and democracy,” she said.
Kos highlighted that, historically, enlargement has driven positive change both within the EU and in candidate countries. However, she warned that these challenges should not be accompanied by any illusions or shortcuts.
“The accession process must remain fully credible. Candidates must align with the EU acquis and implement it fully. There are no shortcuts, and there will be none,” she stressed.
She also cautioned that weaknesses in the rule of law or democratic institutions could open the door to foreign influence, corruption, and organized crime.
Preparing for a Larger Union
Kos announced that the Commission is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the EU’s readiness to accept new member states, considering budgetary impacts, key policies, and decision-making structures.
“We need to address citizens’ concerns: What does enlargement mean for our social model? How can we ensure the Union functions efficiently? How do we guarantee that rules are respected after accession?” she asked.
She called for better communication with European citizens, noting that two-thirds of them feel inadequately informed about enlargement.
Kos emphasized that, while enlargement was historically seen mainly through an economic lens, it is now a matter of security.
“If our neighbors choose the European path, they are under attack,” she said, citing Ukraine and Moldova as examples.
She underlined the importance of gradual integration and stressed that the EU must do more to protect candidate countries from foreign influence and hybrid threats.
Kos highlighted that hybrid attacks against European democracies began in Ukraine and have since spread to other parts of the continent.
“Autocratic regimes do not play by our rules. They exploit our openness. That is why we must protect ourselves together,” she stated.
She introduced a new Commission initiative, “Democracy Shield”, which now includes candidate countries and represents a key step toward gradual integration.
In conclusion, Kos stressed that Europe cannot afford to wait.
“Risks do not wait. Enlargement is not just a technical process – it is a strategic necessity,” she said.
She closed her speech with a call to immediate action:
“This is why today’s forum is so important. Let us start this debate together — now.”
