No simplified paths: Top diplomat comments on EU enlargement
Photo: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (Getty Images)
No other candidate country for EU membership has implemented such large-scale reforms as Ukraine. However, the European Union will not offer simplified paths to membership to anyone, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated this during a briefing in Brussels.
According to her, Ukraine’s progress in European integration is largely positive, as is that of Albania, Moldova, and Montenegro. Meanwhile, the outlook is mixed for Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Türkiye, while for Georgia it is negative.
"Montenegro is most advanced in the EU succession process. Albania has unprecedented momentum and both are frontrunners for membership," Kallas said.
She noted that for Ukraine, EU membership "can be a major security guarantee."
"No candidate country has ever implemented such sweeping reforms while at war. This shows Ukraine's remarkable commitment to membership," the foreign policy chief emphasized.
Kallas pointed out that opportunities for EU enlargement do not occur often.
"These opportunity windows do not open very often, but this window is open now, and we have to use it. At the same time, we won't cut corners and we don't offer any shortcuts," she stressed.
According to Kallas, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the resulting geopolitical shifts confirm the need for enlargement. She described expansion as "a necessity if Europe wants to be a strong player on the world stage."
Ukraine’s accession to the EU
The start of official negotiations on Ukraine’s European integration remains blocked by Budapest. The Hungarian government, which maintains a pro-Russian stance, has vetoed the launch of the negotiation process.
On Tuesday, November 4, the European Commission published its Report within the framework of the EU Enlargement Package. It was the most favorable one for Ukraine since 2023, reflecting the results of systemic reforms implemented despite the full-scale war.
