On 6 October 2026, Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, gave a press conference on policy reviews ahead of enlargement, following the weekly meeting of the von der Leyen Commission in Strasbourg, France. This strategic package aims to prepare the European Union to welcome new members (expanding the Union to more than 30 Member States) by analysing the impact of enlargement on key sectors such as the budget, agriculture, cohesion and security. In her speech, the Commissioner emphasised the principle of ‘gradual integration’, allowing deserving candidate countries to benefit from certain advantages of the single market prior to their full accession, whilst reaffirming that the process remains strictly based on merit, democratic reforms and respect for the rule of law.

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