Slovenian official Marta Kos takes charge of EU enlargement, setting strict criteria for candidate countries and addressing Balkan issues.
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Marta Kos, an ex-Slovenian diplomat, has been appointed Commissioner for Enlargement, making her the first from the former Yugoslavia to hold this role. Her mandate involves overseeing relations with EU accession candidates and setting clear priorities. Kos intends to be strict, accepting only countries that meet negotiation chapters and uphold European values, aiming to conclude negotiations with Montenegro by late 2026 and Albania by late 2027. Key pillars of her strategy include gradual integration benefits for candidates, promoting civil society, upholding the rule of law, and supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction and accession efforts. She has also addressed specific regional issues, demanding constitutional changes in North Macedonia and preconditions regarding LGBTQI+ rights and foreign agents in Georgia to reopen dialogue. Regarding Serbia-Kosovo, Kos affirmed that territorial exchanges are off the table. In Brussels, her appointment was generally well-received by political groups, though some noted past controversies. In the Western Balkans, her nomination brought cautious optimism due to her regional background, but analysts suggest significant progress may be limited, with Montenegro being the most likely candidate for concrete steps in the near future.
