Mar 20 • 13:32 UTC 🇭🇷 Croatia Narod.hr

Who is Marta Kos, the European Commissioner accused of working with UDBA

Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, faces renewed accusations of collaborating with Yugoslavia's secret police, UDBA, amid claims of newly surfaced evidence.

Marta Kos, the current European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, is once again under scrutiny due to allegations of her past involvement with the UDBA, the former Yugoslav secret police. These allegations resurfaced following the release of a book by Igor Omerza titled 'Commissioner', which claims to present new documents from UDBA archives asserting that Kos was an operative for the agency under the code names Tara and Blanka. The discussion was facilitated during an event organized by Slovenian MEP Romana Tomc from the Slovenian Democratic Party, known for its connections to former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša.

Despite the new claims, Marta Kos has consistently denied any association with the Yugoslav secret services, categorically stating at a European Parliament hearing in 2024 that she was never an informant or collaborator with the service. In her defense, she described the accusations as false and based on misinformation, aimed at undermining her credibility and position within the European Commission. This narrative builds upon a theme of skepticism surrounding officials of the former Yugoslavia and the long-lasting impacts of its political history on contemporary governance.

The renewed focus on Kos's alleged links to the UDBA highlights ongoing societal and political divisions in the region, particularly as Europe grapples with its internal divisions and the legacy of the Yugoslav wars. Given the political weight of these claims, they could potentially influence discussions concerning European enlargement and the European Union's relationship with the Western Balkans. As the allegations gain traction, they may not only affect Kos's reputation but also the broader dynamics of EU policies in the area, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in political appointments and history's influence on present governance.

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