Minister Dvořák called for a more intense discussion on EU enlargement

Prague – In the current geopolitical situation, it would be appropriate to discuss more about the expansion of the European Union to include additional countries. This would make the bloc safer and more competitive, said the Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák (STAN) at today’s press conference. He met in Prague with the Slovenian Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kosova, who stated that the EU enlargement is in a new phase, as it has never before had to face disruptive forces that want Europe to fail.

The candidates for EU membership are Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Turkey, and Georgia, whose Prime Minister Irakli Kobachidze previously announced that Tbilisi will not negotiate with the EU about accession until the end of 2028. Protests were held in Georgia against his decision.

“The enlargement of the European Union is a fundamental challenge and at the same time an opportunity that can decisively influence the future shape of the entire European continent. This topic is once again at the center of debate today and undoubtedly rightly so,” said Dvořák at the opening of the follow-up conference New Impulses for EU Enlargement: Benefits for Citizens and Businesses at the Liechtenstein Palace in Prague.

Countries around the world are today seeking closer ties with the EU, as it is known for its predictability and reliability, Kosova stated at the opening. According to her, this has recently been perceived as something very valuable due to the United States. Europe now has the opportunity to unite for the first time, according to the Commissioner. However, this will require a lot of work from candidate countries as well as from existing EU members, who will need to be flexible and creative. Kosova perceives EU enlargement primarily as an opportunity, citing the integration of Western Balkan countries or Ukraine, which offers a unique opportunity for cooperation, among other things, in defense.

Kosova, who visited the Czech Republic as the first representative of the new European Commission, today reminded of the upcoming anniversary of the Czech Republic’s accession to the EU. The Czech Republic joined on May 1, 2004, along with Slovenia and eight other countries. According to Kosova, both countries have shown that building stable democracies brings economic prosperity and security. (April 28)