BRUSSELS, Feb 3 (Beta) – The European Commission has officially established the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood (DG ENEST), which will oversee EU enlargement negotiations and regional cooperation.
The new DG ENEST will manage financial and technical aid for EU candidate countries and Eastern Neighborhood nations such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus. It will also focus on gradual integration of candidate states and promote the benefits of enlargement to EU members and partners.
A key priority will be supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, with the directorate hosting the Ukraine Donors’ Platform to facilitate financial assistance.
EU Enlargement Gains Momentum
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized the importance of unity and expansion for Europe’s stability:
“For the first time in a decade, there is a real possibility that one or more countries could reach EU membership during this Commission’s mandate.”
She acknowledged the challenges ahead but stressed that the new directorate will provide dedicated support to future EU members in implementing necessary reforms.
Strategic Move by the European Commission
The creation of DG ENEST was first announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in September 2024 and formally approved at the start of her new mandate in December.
This move reflects the EU’s commitment to expanding its influence in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe while reinforcing its geopolitical strategy amid rising global tensions.