The new European Commission should play a crucial role in ensuring that the European Union is ready for the enlargement process. This was stated by Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, on 5 December during an online panel discussion at the “EU-Western Balkans Summit: a renewed approach to the region”, organised by the Friends of Europe think tank in Brussels, Belgium.

“I am convinced that the new European Commission will do everything possible to ensure that new members join the EU as soon as possible, and that the European Union itself is prepared for enlargement. In turn, all of us, as enlargement countries, should contribute to this process as much as we can. We must all act as one to make the enlargement policy a success, the main geopolitical goal of the European Union during this decade,” Olha Stefanishyna stressed.

She underlined that as an EU candidate country, Ukraine was doing everything possible to ensure dialogue and coordination with other enlargement countries.

“We are very much in sync with Moldova, but we are also doing our best to share experience, knowledge and establish personal contacts between the governments of other candidate countries. Only a week ago, all the negotiators met in Chisinau to discuss the main stages and possibilities of the process. We also expect a similar meeting in Kyiv. This is a dynamic interaction and coordination, and I think we all serve a great goal of a bigger, safer, stronger Union that defends our values, defends democracy and security on the continent. Going to this goal side by side and supporting each other is the only way that will lead us all to success,” said the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

According to her, the steps Ukraine is currently taking in implementing reforms in the areas of rule of law and democracy are key milestones on the path to joining the EU and meeting the membership criteria.

“For Ukraine, the preservation, strengthening and development of democracy is an element of our survival. Before the opening of the chapters within the first negotiating cluster, Ukraine will present roadmaps, in particular in the areas of the rule of law, functioning of democratic institutions and public administration. This will be the country’s strategic vision before joining the EU to change and further develop democratic institutions, the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts,” said Olha Stefanishyna.

Background

The summit aims to redefine the EU enlargement dialogue, focusing on the accession processes of Western Balkan countries through an inclusive and innovative approach. In addition, the summit addresses the broader implications of EU enlargement on the Union’s long-term goals.