Marta Kos: EU enlargement gains momentum, Kosovo law changes unacceptable
Marta Kos says enlargement is advancing but condemns Kosovo’s recent amendment on Specialized Councils as incompatible with EU obligations.
EU enlargement is regaining momentum, with four intergovernmental conferences expected soon with Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
Kos stressed that the countries leading the process are producing results, but she added that progress must move in step with strategic alignment and respect for the rule of law, because the EU’s security depends on both principles.
Warning over Kosovo law changes
She also used the occasion to sharply criticise recent amendments in Kosovo. "I want to be clear that the amendment to the law on the Specialized Councils in Kosovo runs counter to Kosovo's fundamental obligations to the EU. It is unacceptable. Changing the rules while a judicial procedure is ongoing runs contrary to all internationally established standards of the rule of law," Kos said.
Kos argued that the Union cannot afford to admit new members who will not contribute to its security, noting that the debate over the International Criminal Court underlined how vital it is to preserve respect for the rule of law. "International law is crucial for peace and security. This is especially important in the Western Balkans, where, after the death of a war criminal, we have seen nationalist tendencies flare up again," she said.
Delivering a message to all candidate countries, Kos concluded: "My message is very simple. European enlargement continues. But if candidate countries move backwards, they are off the right path and indeed will not be able to become EU members."
Photo: press material from the event
