The enlargement of the European Union is an investment in common security and freedom in a period of growing geopolitical uncertainty, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a video address to participants in a forum in Brussels dedicated to the future of the accession process, BTA reports.
Since its founding, the EU has been a peaceful project, Von der Leyen stressed. She noted that the path to membership is full of challenges and requires large-scale reforms, as well as full approximation to European legislation. According to her, candidate countries should be given the opportunity to experience the benefits of future membership even before final accession. She pointed out that their efforts to adapt to the single market have already led to significant investments.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said that Europe must be protected from the rise of autocratic models. She stressed that enlargement should strengthen the Union. Kos highlighted the significant progress made this year by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine, saying that reforms are “paying off”.
She specified that the EU would not shorten the path to membership for current candidates. Weak democratic structures can create conditions for corruption and organised crime, Kos noted, recalling that the EU is built on mutual trust. The Commissioner stressed the need to assess the effects of future enlargement on the budget, governance mechanisms and public expectations, including the fears of European citizens.
Kos warned that slow action could endanger the stability of the continent. Autocratic regimes exploit European openness, finance propaganda and external interference, especially in candidate countries, she pointed out.
The meeting is also attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kalas, the European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius, as well as the Prime Ministers of Albania Edi Rama, Montenegro Milojko Spajic, Moldova Alexandru Munteanu, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament Ana Brnabić and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka.