Enlargement Commissioner Kos said that on October 6, the EC would present additional ideas for the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries into the bloc. She emphasized that the “more Europe before membership” approach was not a substitute for full EU membership.
Speaking at the meeting of foreign ministers within the framework of the Berlin Process in Przno, Kos stated that enlargement was a strategic undertaking and noted that 2026 was a record year in terms of enlargement progress.
According to the Commissioner, the geopolitical importance of enlargement and the merit-based approach are not conflicting principles. She called on the Western Balkan countries to resolve open bilateral issues through good-neighborly relations, regional cooperation, and mutual trust.