In an interview with Postimees, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos discusses the urgent need for the European Union (EU) to consider expanding its membership amid current geopolitical challenges. The global landscape has shifted, necessitating a renewed focus on enlargement, particularly highlighting the fast-tracking of Ukraine's accession process as a matter of security. Kos emphasizes that the EU had overlooked enlargement as a priority for too long, which she admits was a mistake. Now, the urgency has prompted states to re-evaluate the rules governing the accession process to accommodate prospective members, especially in the context of supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.

Kos also addressed recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called for establishing a specific date for Ukraine's EU membership. While Kos refrains from predicting the outcomes of negotiations, she acknowledges that a resolution to the conflict could reshape Europe's reality. This acknowledgment reflects a growing consensus that peace would create new dynamics in the region and could provide a clearer path for countries like Ukraine to join the EU. However, she warns that the window of opportunity for reform and accession might not remain open indefinitely.

Ultimately, Kos's remarks underline the critical importance of timely reforms by candidate countries and the EU's readiness to adapt its processes to foster integration. The implications of this are significant not only for Ukraine but for the EU's strategic positioning in response to geopolitical pressures, indicating that the choice between stagnation and proactive expansion will have lasting impacts on the continent's future.