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Mission Letter to Marta Kos by Ursula von der Leyen: EU enlargement is an imperative

Ursula von der Leyen at EP Plenary Session, 18 July, 2024, Strasbourg; Photo: European Union

BRUSSELS – “Further completing our Union is a strategic, economic and moral imperative. You will be responsible for driving the enlargement process in the coming critical years, building on the recent renewed momentum and developing our relations with countries in the region, working with the High Representative/Vice-President”, wrote Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in the mission letter to Marta Kos, new European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement.

Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her nominees for the new College today. This included the publishing of “mission letters” she wrote to each of the candidates.

In the letter to Kos, von der Leyen underlined that the enlargement process is and will remain “fully merit-based” and that each candidate must be assessed on its own progress towards meeting all criteria. She specified that Marta Kos will work with candidates and potential candidates, to ensure that this process is coupled with stronger and sustained political commitment from all countries involved.

“You will work on the gradual integration of candidate countries, as they work to join the Union. You will notably draw on the Pre-Enlargement Instruments, the investment and reforms in the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and the Ukraine Facility, as well as use the full potential of the Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Alongside dynamic alignment to the EU acquis, this will help integrate countries into parts of the Single Market and familiarise them with the approach of EU funds”, the President of the EC clarified.

Von der Leyen also wrote that the European Commissioner for Enlargement would put particular emphasis on the rule of law and fundamental values, “which will always remain the cornerstone of the EU’s enlargement policy”.

In addition, she wrote that Marta Kos will lead the Commission’s “continued and sustained support of Ukraine”, together with the High Representative/Vice-President and that she will continue the work on Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Kos is also urged to encourage regional integration, good neighbourly relations, reconciliation, and the resolution of bilateral disputes. In this sense, it is underlined in the mission letter that her efforts “will complement the High Representative/Vice-President’s work on the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue”.

Finally, Kos is advised to ensure that the benefits of enlargement are clearly communicated to EU citizens and shareholders, and to the citizens of enlargement partners.

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