As a follow-up to our earlier analysis about then commissioner-to-be Marta Kos, we have conducted an interview with Slovenian Renew MEP Irena Joveva about the candidate.
1. What do you think about Kos, her expertise and professional qualities?
Marta Kos is a very accomplished and experienced diplomat. Her connection to the region of the Western Balkans and the fact that she comes from a country that has always been very vocal about enlargement are definitely an asset. She is stepping in the shoes of the, I must say, disastrously led portfolio of Hungarian commissioner Varhelyi, so there is a lot of work to be done to regain the confidence of the enlargement countries and to give a new impetus for the enlargement process. Kos has had a rich career before taking on this new role and in the three hour hearing in front of the European parliament, she has demonstrated profound knowledge about the region and existing EU policy, a new vision for enlargement and a knowledge about the political systems in the accession countries. In brief- I think she is a perfect candidate for this position and she enjoys the full support of the Slovenian government in this task.
2. What are the personal and political goals of Kos in the 2024-2029 cycle?
I would not want to talk about her personal goals, but I believe that maybe a both personal and private victory could be to make enlargement work. If she manages to give a boost to the enlargement process (which I have no doubts that she will), it will be both a personal and professional triumph. Her biggest task will be for sure to regain confidence in the enlargement countries and communicate clearly of the expectations and processes.
3. Should the EU put more emphasis on the rule of law during enlargement?
I am careful in criticising accession countries when we do have problems with the rule of law within the Union as well at the moment. We have authoritarian leaders in the EU who are using their veto powers in Council and block the political processes. We see abuses of EU funds, media freedoms deteriorating and fundamental rights being threatened. We need to be equally strict with our Member States as with accession countries. Of course, the rule of law is a very complex chapter to negotiate which is why it is the most challenging one to close. The enlargement countries need to be fully committed to the rule of law and do all the (sometimes very painful) reforms as to be able to function properly within the Union. The governments should also be aware that they are doing these reforms not only as a box ticking exercise, but also to allow safer and better lives to their citizens.
4. How would you reform the enlargement process?
I would make the criteria clearer, bring back the trust that has been lost during all these years, include the candidate countries more into the EU process and abolish double standards. Good examples need to be rewarded without imposing further conditions. The EU also needs to step up its role in communicating its role in the Western Balkans and show to the people the true benefits of enlargement, because that is also, what it is about. Sometimes we see the lack of communication in the accession countries what enlargement is truly about, and the citizens feel that the EU is somewhere far away and a goal that will never be reached. We need to do similar communication campaigns within the Union as well, to demonstrate the benefits of having more Member States and to fight prejudice and stereotypes connected to the enlargement countries.
5. Can we expect a reform of the enlargement process?
I believe that many times until now the enlargement process has proved to be an inefficient process. The last country that has joined was Croatia, and it was more than ten years ago. It takes a long time, the messages are sometimes mixed, rules keep changing and sometimes the promises are not being kept (see the example of North Macedonia and how an EU Member state abused its position of power to push bilateral issues that should not be brought into the accession process). There should be clear criteria, clear rewards, and clear consequences if something is not fulfilled. The EU needs to speak in one voice, avoid unclear messages, and not remain silent without a reward to the accession country once that requested criteria are met. I think that Ms Kos is well aware of this and that she will take on this role into making the enlargement process work and that by the end of this term, we will have 28 Member states, at least.
6. Will enlargement advance the much-needed EU reform?
I think that it is evident that the EU would function differently with now 27, 30 or 33 or more Member States. That is self-evident and a new approach needs to be found in making the Union more efficient and functional with more Member states than there are now. I am aware that some countries are sceptical of enlargement, but this was the case in all the previous rounds of enlargement as well. We need to see the benefits the EU could gain from having these countries join. The reforms of the Union and the enlargement process can go hand in hand and the one does not exclude the other. It is a two way process and a win- win for all.
7. Do you expect accessions during the 2024-2029 cycle?
Here, I need to be realistic but with an optimistic approach. I believe that there are good chances for Montenegro to join the EU in the next five years, but I am always careful with giving dates and deadlines as many things can happen in the EU and in Montenegro until then. The pace of reforms needs to be kept up and there should be no backsliding that could reverse the process. At the same time, the promises of the EU need to be kept, and the reforms need to be rewarded, if all the conditions are fulfilled.