In an interview with Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, she highlighted the significance of Ukraine's EU accession amid ongoing conflicts and challenges. Kos described her role as a key facilitator for Ukraine's integration into the European Union, acknowledging the weight of Ukraine as a candidate country during discussions about EU enlargement. She elaborated on the importance of Ukraine's candidacy, especially in light of its ongoing struggles due to the Russian invasion, noting that the EU’s focus on Ukraine is heightened as it seeks to revise accession rules for candidates.

During their meeting in Kyiv, which coincided with the anniversary of the full-scale invasion by Russia, Kos emphasized the urgency of integrating Ukraine into the EU framework. The European Commission is in the final stages of drafting new rules aimed at streamlining the accession process for candidate states, of which Ukraine is a primary focus. This reflects the EU’s commitment not only to support Ukraine in reforming its governance and institutions but also to recognize the strategic importance of Ukraine in European politics today.

Kos' remarks also reflect a broader political perspective within the EU, highlighting the need for member states, including Hungary under Viktor Orbán, to support rather than undermine Ukraine's accession aspirations. The emphasis on not needing external guidance from member states, particularly those with more contentious stances towards Ukraine, underscores a desire for a cohesive and unified EU approach toward enlargement, ensuring that internal divisions do not hinder the progress of candidate nations like Ukraine.