Marta Kos embraces responsibility as new EU Enlargement Commissioner

Slovenian diplomat Marta Kos has been confirmed as the new Commissioner for EU Enlargement within the European Commission, which officially begins its mandate on Sunday, November 28, 2024. In her initial response, she expressed a sense of immense responsibility, especially given the significant role enlargement plays in the context of both stability and security in Europe. Kos is aware that the process of integration into the EU varies for each candidate country and acknowledges the challenges ahead. She plans to visit Kyiv, Ukraine, as one of her first official actions. This trip signifies the importance of Ukraine in the enlargement agenda, especially in light of recent developments in the region. Following her visit to Ukraine, Kos will make her way to Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina. These visits highlight her agenda of preparing candidate countries for EU membership while fostering cooperation with existing member states. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has expressed his support for the new commission, emphasizing the critical nature of the enlargement portfolio during this challenging period for the European Union. He indicated that a Slovenian commissioner leading this portfolio is significant, especially regarding stability in the Western Balkans and the potential for peaceful solutions in Ukraine. The challenges identified by Kos require a dedicated effort to ensure that both candidate countries and current EU members are ready for potential changes in membership dynamics. The European Union currently faces a moment of change, and Kos's leadership in this area could determine the speed and effectiveness of enlargement efforts. Her statement reflects a recognition of the complexities involved in the process of integration, which can differ significantly between nations. The collaboration among current EU member states will also be crucial as they navigate the implications of welcoming new members into the union. With the ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially in relation to Ukraine, the mandate of the Commissioner for EU Enlargement is more critical than ever. As such, Kos's upcoming visits and discussions will set the tone for her tenure and highlight the EU's commitment to expansion. Kos's role will likely focus on strengthening ties with candidate countries, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for membership, and aligning their practices with those of the EU. Given the current state of affairs, especially concerning the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe, her efforts and strategic approach will be vital in shaping the future of the EU's enlargement policy. The delicate balance of addressing the needs of existing member states while facilitating the accession of new members will be one of her most pressing challenges going forward.