Kosovo: Leading position in EU accession process does not guarantee special status

The European Union (EU) will not allow the accession of countries that could secretly undermine its values ​​or institutions, said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, adding that the position of leader in the accession process does not guarantee special status.

“There are no Trojan horses. Countries that would undermine us from within cannot become EU members. We must be absolutely sure of that. Countries joining the EU must be strong and resilient democracies capable of resisting the toxic influence of Russia and others,” Marta Kos told the European Parliament (EP).

Speaking in the EP, where enlargement was being discussed, Kos stressed that only by insisting on the rule of law as a key priority will the credibility of the EU enlargement process inevitably be strengthened, Radio Free Europe reports.

She warned that shortcuts will not be allowed in the European integration process, or rather, in reforms.

Kos issued a special warning to countries considered leaders in the EU accession process.

"The position of leader in the accession process does not guarantee special status," said Kos, emphasizing that this applies precisely to the countries that have made the most progress in this process, such as Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova.

She told these countries that "progress must be earned anew through reforms."

The enlargement strategy discussed in the EP, among other things, highlights the need to overcome bilateral blockages in the EU Council, ensuring that a merit-based approach prevails.

The importance of gradual integration is emphasized for those candidate countries that are making significant progress.

The author of the enlargement strategy document, MEP Petras Auštrevičius, calls on EU institutions to follow the momentum and remove internal obstacles, while strictly maintaining a merit-based and predictable accession process.

The document states that a review of EU sectoral policies is necessary to assess how to adapt the new member states and ensure the efficient functioning of the enlarged Union.

“There are no shortcuts to the rule of law and conditionality – media freedom, human rights, protection of minorities, gender equality and non-discrimination are essential,” said Auštrevičius.

It reiterates that enlargement is mutually beneficial for both current and future member states. It stresses the political urgency of demonstrating the EU's commitment to the enlargement process, insisting that EU enlargement will strengthen European security.