At a glance: the Committee on Foreign Affairs to vote on EU security and defence policies, focusing on relations with Ukraine, Russia and China and on enlargement; the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Budgets are set to vote on a Reform and Growth Facility of around EUR 1.8 billion to support Moldova’s reforms aimed at EU membership; a new parliamentary committee on the EU housing crisis will hold its first meeting.

Brèves – 29/01/2025 - français

At a glance: the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement; the approaching European elections; and the 2024 Europe Day celebrations.

Brèves – 02/05/2024 – français

Dans cet épisode, nous nous replongeons dans l’histoire de l’Union européenne pour en célébrer une étape clé: le 20e anniversaire du plus grand élargissement de l’Union! Le 1er mai 2004, dix pays au cœur de l’Europe ont rejoint l’Union européenne, ajoutant ainsi neuf nouvelles langues de travail officielles. C’était un moment de fête, d’unité et de possibilités illimitées.

Le 20e anniversaire du plus grand élargissement de l’Union européenne

At a glance: the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement; President Metsola visit to Malta and Europe’s Days.

Brèves – 30/04/2024 – français

L’Union européenne est une union politique et économique regroupant 27 États membres. Un certain nombre de pays ont demandé à rejoindre l’Union. Il y a actuellement neuf pays candidats. Le processus d’adhésion à l’Union européenne est toutefois long et complexe.

L’élargissement de l’Union européenne: comment ça marche?

In November 2023, the European Commission presented its annual enlargement reports. Its strategic orientations and recommendations include accelerating the accession process with the Western Balkan countries, opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and granting candidate status to Georgia. According to the European Parliament's 2022 recommendation on the new EU strategy, enlargement policy is 'the most effective EU foreign policy instrument and one of the Union's most successful policies'.

EPRS Policy Podcast: Enlargement policy - Reforms and challenges ahead

L’Union européenne est une union politique et économique regroupant 27 États membres. Un certain nombre de pays ont demandé à rejoindre l’Union. Il y a actuellement sept pays candidats et trois candidats potentiels. Le processus d’adhésion à l’Union européenne est toutefois long et complexe.

L’élargissement de l’Union européenne: comment ça marche

Interview with Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007 on the enlargement (audio only)

The story of the EP by its Presidents: Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007 - 1. The enlargement

Candidate countries include Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are considered potential candidates.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans (2019-2020)

The EU has developed a policy to support the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries with the Union. The EU aims to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region&nbsp;and open up the prospect of EU integration.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

Parliament is fully involved in the Stabilisation and Association Process &nbsp;and must also consent to any new accession to the EU. In addition, through its budgetary powers, it has direct influence over the amounts allocated to the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs appoints standing rapporteurs for all candidate and potential candidate countries. Parliament expresses its positions on enlargement in the form of annual resolutions responding to the Commission’s latest annual country reports.

On 1&nbsp;July&nbsp;2013, Croatia became the first of the seven countries to join, and Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania are official candidates. Accession negotiations and chapters have been opened with Montenegro and Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans

The European Union's enlargement policy is based on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality.

Progress along the European path is an objective and merit-based process which depends on the concrete results achieved by each individual country, with the rule of law, justice and fundamental rights being an utmost priority. A credible enlargement perspective requires sustained efforts and irreversible reforms. The EU Enlargement is an investment in peace, security and stability in Europe: a prospect of EU membership has a powerful transformative effect on the partners in the process, embedding positive democratic, political, economic and societal change.

Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey are candidate countries.The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova in June 2022.

Negotiations are held with each candidate country to determine their ability to apply EU legislation (acquis) and examine their possible request for transition periods.

Enlargement

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

Candidate countries include Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are considered potential candidates.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans - 8th parliamentary term

MEPs in the Foreign Affairs Committee meet Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The discussion is expected to focus on the state of play and the progress made by the ten enlargement countries.

AFET debate with Marta KOS, Commissioner  for Enlargement

Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, she was the Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). She is now the European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago.

During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

Formal sitting commemorating the 20th anniversary of the EU's biggest enlargement

AFET - Presentation of the 2025 Enlargement Package by Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement

Committee on Foreign Affairs Ordinary meeting Presentation of the 2025 Enlargement Package by Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement

AFET

Committee on Foreign Affairs Extraordinary meeting Structured dialogue with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement

Press point by Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

CONFIRMATION

HEARING

Press conference by Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Renew Europe President, on the enlargement of the group

Press conference by Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Joint meeting / Climate Change in the Mediterranean: situation of the UfM members in the enlargement area

Press point following the hearing of Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner-designate, Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Hearing of Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner-designate, Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Federica MOGHERINI - Vice-President of the Commission, and Johannes HAHN, Commissioner for the Enlargement Package

Décision adoptée sur la stratégie d’élargissement de l’UE - Les Balkans occidentaux (débat)

Decision adopted on the EU Enlargement Strategy - Western Balkans (debate)

Élargissement et renforcement de la zone Schengen: Bulgarie, Roumanie et Croatie (débat)

Enlargement and strengthening of the Schengen area: Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia (debate)

F. MOGHERINI - High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - J. HAHN - EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations - and C. STYLIANIDES - EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Management

Štefan FÜLE - European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy

Politiques et critères d'élargissement et intérêts stratégiques de l'Union européenne en la matière (débat)

Enlargement: policies, criteria and the EU's strategic interests (debate)

Rapport sur l'élargissement au Monténégro (débat)

Enlargement report for Montenegro (debate)

Rapport sur l'élargissement à la Turquie (débat)

Enlargement report for Turkey (debate)

EP Plenary session - Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Oliver VÁRHELYI, Commissioner for Neigbourhood and Enlargement

EP Plenary session.- 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia

CONT - Public Hearing on Two Decades of progress: Evaluating the successes and lessons in implementing the EU budget from the Enlargements since 2004

EP Plenary session - Institutional and political implications of the EU enlargement process and global challenges

AFET Working group on Western Balkans  - Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement on the state of play of the enlargement process with regard to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia

AFET - Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement.- Press point

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Parliament’s seats illumination

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Interviews

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Arrivals and family photo

EP Plenary session - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

AFET - Exchange of views with Foreign Affairs Ministers of Member States on the EU enlargement policy ahead of the March 2024 European Council

EP Plenary session - Deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement

EP Plenary session - Council and Commissions statements - 30 years of Copenhagen criteria - giving further impetus to EU enlargement policy

MEPs vote on the following files: Gozi (A10-0177/2025) - Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations; Polarization and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy; and on Situation in Belarus, five years after the fraudulent presidential elections.

Voting Session on motions for resolutions on EU enlargement negotioations, situations in Serbia and Belarus

Closing statements of the debate on criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU, the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci. Closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement.

Criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU - the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci: closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

Opening statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement of the debate on criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU, the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU - the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci: opening statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, and by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission guarantees and a just peace for Ukraine, as well as the country’s path towards EU membership. During the debate on EU action to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine, speakers take stock of the outcome of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska during the summer, and the continued Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities following the summit. MEPs also discuss a report prepared by Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, which encourages the Ukrainian government to keep up the momentum on implementing reforms along the path towards EU membership.

EU action to ensure security guarantees and just peace for Ukraine: Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, and by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs

In their remarks, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja KALLAS, Rapporteur Michael GAHLER, and Enlargement Commissioner Marta KOS reaffirmed the European Union’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine as it faces Russia’s continued aggression. KALLAS announced the 19th sanctions Package against Russia and underscored the EU’s extensive support for Ukraine, totaling more than €169 billion since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Gahler and Kos both stressed Ukraine’s determination to join the European Union, emphasizing that EU membership represents the most robust guarantee of the country’s long-term security in light of Russia’s persistent hostility. The discussion also centered on Ukraine’s reform achievements, as acknowledged in the Commission’s Enlargement report. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU action to ensure security guarantees and just peace for Ukraine: Opening statements by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, and by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

Following the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski, MEPs discuss the situation in Belarus and its political prisoners. Siarhei Tsikhanouski, the prominent Belarusian political prisoner and husband of opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was unexpectedly freed alongside 13 other political prisoners in Belarus last month. Arrested in 2020 after launching his candidacy to run in the country’s presidential elections against Aliaksandr Lukashenka, he was sentenced to 18 years for, among other trumped-up charges, leading anti-regime protests. His wife, Tsikhanouskaya, ran in his place, fuelling massive protests against Lukashenka’s eventual disputed victory; she subsequently fled into exile. In a statement issued after Tsikhanouski’s release, several MEPs said the U.S-brokered release offers hope for the more than 1,150 political prisoners who remain incarcerated in Belarus. This transcription is a result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners :Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Council and Commission statements - Situation in Belarus, in particular the release of political prisoners :Opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

The European Parliament will vote on the report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye on 07/05. Before the vote, Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR (S&D, ES), Rapporteur, answers questions from journalists during a press conference. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR (S&D, ES), Rapporteur, on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions. Opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions. Closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

MEPs and representatives from the Commission and the Polish Council Presidency assess developments in Serbia, where the collapse of a railway station canopy has sparked an anti-corruption movement and student-led protests against the government. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Political crisis in Serbia: Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Political crisis in Serbia: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

MEPs assess the impact of three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its repression of dissent following Alexei Navalny’s murder. In a debate with representatives of the European Commission, MEPs mark three years since Moscow launched its brutal military invasion of Ukraine. In a resolution adopted in January 2025, Parliament reiterated its firm support for Kyiv, called on Russia to immediately terminate all military activities, and withdraw from Ukraine. MEPs also called on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation and information manipulation campaigns justifying the Kremlin’s war of aggression. Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression: Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

MEPs assess the impact of three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its repression of dissent following Alexei Navalny’s murder. In a debate with representatives of the European Commission, MEPs mark three years since Moscow launched its brutal military invasion of Ukraine. In a resolution adopted in January 2025, Parliament reiterated its firm support for Kyiv, called on Russia to immediately terminate all military activities, and withdraw from Ukraine. MEPs also called on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation and information manipulation campaigns justifying the Kremlin’s war of aggression. Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression: Closing statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement, makes a statement opening the High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus.

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus: Opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

This news item shows extracts from the arrival of Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition, and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and extracts from the Hight-Level Conference "Standing with the People of Belarus". The meeting is followed by the High-Level Conference, organised jointly by the European External Action Service and the European Parliament, in cooperation with the European Commission. The conference aims to send a clear message of solidarity and commitment, bringing together EU leaders, international partners, think tanks and representatives from Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.

High-Level Conference Standing with the People of Belarus: Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA Leader of Belarusian democratic opposition and Marta KOS Commissioner for Enlargement, extracts from the opening statement

David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Committee Chair, speaks first, to the press, after Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, was heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Just after, Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, takes the floor and speaks to the press. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

Press points by Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, and David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Committee Chair

Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) and Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) participate as joint committees. At the end of the confirmation hearing, Marta KOS gives a closing statement followed by David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Committee Chair. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement: closing statements by Commissioner-designate and David MCALLISTER (EPP, DE), AFET Committee Chair

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