The expansion of the European Union (EU) is seen as the most effective strategy to uphold peace, prosperity, and freedom across Europe, remarked European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, highlighting that the security aspect is becoming increasingly significant.

In an interview with European Newsroom, Kos stated that the evolving geopolitical landscape necessitates new initiatives from the EU, indicating that the perspective on enlargement has shifted since December of last year.

“When I began this role, I mentioned that enlargement has evolved since five years ago, and today I assert that the enlargement process now differs from how it appeared last December. The entire world is dynamic, including Europe and its neighboring regions,” Kos explained.

She emphasized the growing importance of the security imperative.

“The urgency of security is escalating quickly, and we must seek solutions, not just regarding the enlargement process but also concerning our broader neighborhood policy,” Kos added.

Kos also identified external “disruptive forces” that seem eager to hinder the enlargement process.

At this juncture, she stressed that demonstrating unity is vital.

Furthermore, she noted that the EU needs to address the challenges posed by geopolitical and security needs, juxtaposed with the enlargement methodology.

“EU enlargement remains the most robust mechanism for securing peace, prosperity, and freedom,” Kos asserted.

She reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to integrating the Western Balkans into the Union.

“We will, of course, adhere to our established criteria and evaluate accordingly,” Kos remarked, adding that they are deeply engaged with numerous bilateral issues within the region.

Responding to inquiries about the EU’s collaboration with the U.S. administration concerning enlargement, Kos clarified that only the EU has the authority to admit candidate countries into the Union.

“Only the EU can incorporate candidate countries into the Union. No one else bears this responsibility, and it is tied to our credibility. Thus, we must deliver, as we cannot afford to lose any candidate countries,” she stated.

When asked about U.S. investments in the region that could potentially influence the enlargement process, Kos noted that candidate nations are free to choose whether to accept such investments.

She cited Montenegro as an example, where the government has reached an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for substantial investments, assuring that the EU is closely monitoring developments in this area.

According to her, past enlargements have illustrated that investments in candidate countries typically increase prior to their EU accession.

“We are vigilant about developments in this arena because being a candidate country entails certain responsibilities. While candidates can select their investors, we are monitoring trends closely,” Kos remarked.

She also noted that Montenegro currently has all negotiation chapters open, with some already closed, and aims to finalize all by 2026, allowing the country to potentially become a member by 2028.

Discussing the regional situation, Kos highlighted Albania’s advancement in negotiations with the Union, expressing EU support for the government’s vision of completing negotiations by 2027, which would enable the country to join by 2030.

Kos anticipates the new Serbian government will be pro-European and reform-oriented.

“Serbia must re-embrace the European path, and the European Commission is ready to aid in making that a reality,” Kos stated, mentioning her intention to visit Belgrade at the month’s end.

She remarked that the expectations the EU has for Serbia regarding the rule of law are closely aligned with the demands of protesting students and citizens.

Kos acknowledged the ongoing institutional and political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the EU’s efforts to ensure that all entities in BiH act in the nation’s best interest.

“I would be overjoyed if we could initiate negotiations with BiH. The people of that country truly deserve it,” Kos declared, adding that some politicians in the country are obstructing progress.

She noted that the negotiation process could commence if a compromise among the country’s factions is achieved.

“I refer to it as ‘from Dayton to Brussels.’ We need to empower BiH to make political decisions autonomously, enabling us to review them. This approach could significantly benefit them. There are positive prospects ahead, but cooperation with Republika Srpska is essential,” Kos said.

In discussing North Macedonia’s accession process, Kos encouraged the authorities to pursue necessary reforms.

When pressed whether she could assure that there would be no future blockages related to bilateral disputes like identity, history, or language, Kos expressed empathy towards North Macedonia’s frustrations.

“No one can promise North Macedonia that changing the Constitution now will eliminate all objections. However, it does not mean we are not actively working to assist North Macedonia,” Kos clarified.

She emphasized the expectation that all member states will engage in negotiations concerning bilateral disputes earnestly, with a focus on achieving compromise.

“It would be ideal for bilateral issues to refrain from interfering with the accession process, although it does not diminish their importance,” Kos added.

In comparing individual Eastern Partnership nations with those from the Western Balkans, Kos observed that it has been comparatively easier for several Western Balkan nations to become NATO members than to secure EU membership, whereas Moldova and Ukraine have had a smoother path to the EU.

Kos interpreted Ukraine’s EU accession as a political counterbalance offering security guarantees.

She reiterated that NATO membership is not currently feasible for Ukraine and Moldova, but EU membership could serve as a substantial political endorsement for their security assurances.