Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, emphasized during a recent panel in Kyiv that Ukraine's process of joining the European Union is not stagnant despite the challenges posed by ongoing reforms amid the war. Addressing concerns at a special meeting organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, she reassured attendees that the EU is actively committed to Ukraine's membership journey, stating that innovative approaches are being taken in response to the current situation.

Kos highlighted the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the existing enlargement methodology was primarily designed for peacetime, which means that the usual timeframes for candidates to make necessary reforms are not applicable in the current context. She noted that the key issue is not whether Ukraine will join the EU, but rather when this will happen, underscoring the need for accelerated progress under the unique circumstances created by the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The discussions at this meeting reflect ongoing support for Ukraine within the EU and highlight the complex interplay of politics, war, and European integration as the country strives for its place within the Union. As the EU considers its enlargement strategy in light of the war, these remarks from Kos signal both a recognition of the urgent needs of Ukraine and an understanding of the broader geopolitical implications of its potential membership.