Following the announcement of the EU's next multiannual financial framework (MFF), Kos emphasized that the proposal was "really good news for the enlargement of the bloc," pointing to the growing momentum in accession negotiations with countries such as Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine.

"These negotiations have never progressed so quickly," said the European Commissioner for Enlargement, highlighting the ambition of many candidates to conclude negotiations within the next few years.

According to Kos, the new MFF offers concrete support in three main areas:

First, the budget allocates €42.6 billion to candidate countries and eastern neighbors—a 37% increase from the current €31 billion. This increase in funding aims to respond to the accelerated pace of reforms and investments needed for membership.

"Every budget is an expression of our political priorities in figures," she said, adding that the increased amount will help bring these countries closer to the EU.

Second, the EU is proposing a separate €100 billion fund for Ukraine, focused on reforms, recovery, modernization, and long-term stability.

These funds are outside the MFF ceiling, which means they will not reduce funding for other priorities.

"Anyone who thought that European support would weaken over time was wrong. Time is definitely not on Russia's side," Kos stated categorically.

Third, Kos emphasized that all funding will follow two main principles: it will be merit-based and conditional.

In other words, countries will only receive funds if they meet specific reform criteria that are already set out in their accession plans.

Looking ahead, she said that the Commission would support the candidate countries in their progress towards final negotiations and ultimately the conclusion of agreements setting out future financing and budget contributions.

"Once that is done, we will need to ensure adequate funding for the new member states," she added.

For Kos, the enlargement process is not simply about increasing the size of the EU.

"Enlargement is much more than uniting Europe. By strengthening our support for those who are working hard to meet the conditions for membership, we are on the way to uniting our Europe," Kos concluded. | BGNES