Marta Kos secures support for eu enlargement role

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Slovenian Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, Marta Kos has secured a positive vote following her confirmation hearing in the EU Parliament by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

In her preliminary statement to the EU Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms Kos put out that enlargement “runs like a red thread through my life”. As part of a young generation of Slovenians calling for freedom and democracy, the route to the EU was the way to go, she stated, adding that she will infiltrate the same principle and energy into the enlargement process in the coming years.

How does Kos view the eu enlargement process?

Ms Kos highlighted how the enlargement process is a marathon, not a sprint. While she is all in favour of the initiative, the enlargement journey must remain merit-based, with each country desiring to join the EU thoroughly evaluated on their merits: “There are no shortcuts”. 

What commitment does Kos make to candidate countries?

She stated that if she backed, Ms Kos would be committed to ensuring all enlargement countries are well equipped, supported with strong political support from the EU and accompanied along the process. Countries employing in reforms should also reap the benefits, including through gradual integration in the single market. Making clear she would handle democratic backsliding, she also stressed the need for vigorous European commitment towards candidate countries.

What role will Kos play in supporting Ukraine’s EU path?

Regarding Ukraine, she devoted herself to working closely with Kyiv, helping its recovery and reconstruction in coordination with the G7 and other like-minded international allies. Supporting Ukraine and moving back against Russia’s aggression is an unquestionable priority and she stated enlargement negotiations with the country must be the European guiding star for this “heroic nation – the same for Moldova”. 

How will Kos ensure transparency in enlargement funding?

Furthermore, Ms Kos highlighted the need to uphold the integrity of the enlargement procedure through a merit-based approach and respect for EU values. She settled that concrete actions in line with a gradual integration into the EU would send a favourable signal to citizens of candidate countries. She declared that the enlargement process should be transparent concerning money being spent – headed by dedicated auditing structures – and based on the completion of the relevant criteria by candidate countries.

In the next steps, the chair and political group coordinators of the Committee on Foreign Affairs will assemble without delay to evaluate the undertaking and qualification of the Commissioner-designate. Based on the committee proposals, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to perform the last evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November.