The EU's enlargement process is a geostrategic investment that aligns with the Union's interests, and it must yield concrete results over the next five years to strengthen the stability and security of all its members.
This was stated by Kaja Kallas, former Prime Minister of Estonia and candidate for the position of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during hearings in the European Parliament's relevant committees on Tuesday in Brussels.
"Enlargement is a geostrategic investment that serves the European Union's own interests. It makes the EU stronger, ensures the stability of new members, and strengthens security and prosperity for all of us. Over the next five years, we need clear results in this area. I will work closely with the European Commissioner for Enlargement to achieve this goal," Kallas emphasized.
She also highlighted the relevance of the saying that the problems of the EU's neighbors today will become the Union's problems tomorrow. Therefore, Kallas stated,
"The EU must leverage its gravitational force and attractiveness, which it holds for most of its neighbors—from the Western Balkans to Ukraine—to advance their European integration process."
The process of hearing candidates for future positions in the European Commission is ongoing in the European Parliament's relevant committees. Those who successfully pass this stage will be approved by a vote in the European Parliament plenary session.
