Contextualizing EU-NATO Cooperation Commissioner Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, delivered a speech at the European Parliament underscoring the evolving geopolitical context that makes EU-NATO cooperation crucial. Stressing that security concerns transcend traditional frameworks, Kos framed enlargement as a geopolitical tool integral to Europe's peace, freedom, and prosperity. She reminded audiences that previous enlargements, especially those integrating Central and Eastern European countries, were vital geopolitical successes achieved through close EU-NATO alignment in democracy and rule of law benchmarks.
Concrete Enlargement Proposals and Security Imperatives Kos highlighted the urgent need to "finish the job" by expanding the EU especially in the Western Balkans and supporting Ukraine and Moldova, which face active security threats and hybrid warfare tactics including disinformation and cyberattacks. She detailed ambitious technical timelines for Albania and Montenegro potentially joining by 2026-2027, conditional on sustained reforms. However, she noted the Council's requirement for unanimity currently impedes opening the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova despite their compliance with demands under difficult circumstances.
Cleavages and Institutional Cooperation Kos emphasized stronger EU presence within NATO to enhance autonomy, reflecting a cleavage over increasing EU influence in security matters and NATO cooperation. She urged avoiding duplications in efforts against hybrid threats, advocating intelligence sharing. The cooperation between EU Operation ALTHEA and NATO in Bosnia and Herzegovina underlines institutional intersections. The speech leans towards extending EU authority in enlargement aligned with NATO’s hard power support.
Stakeholder Impact - Candidate Countries (Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova): Potentially significant positive impact from accelerated reforms and eventual accession enhancing security and economic opportunities, but face stringent reform pressures and political hurdles. - EU and NATO institutions: Would see reinforced cooperation and operational integration, improving collective defense but requiring coordination resources. - EU Member States: Varied impact depending on views on enlargement pace and security autonomy; some may perceive increased obligations. - Russian interests: Indirectly challenged by enhanced EU-NATO security posture and expanded EU democratic influence, representing a geopolitical counterbalance.
Kos’s speech presents a policy orientation of strengthening the EU’s geopolitical role by deepening enlargement linked to security cooperation with NATO. This includes tangible targets like accession timelines for Albania and Montenegro and institutional tools such as the EU Cybersecurity Reserve and Hybrid Rapid Response Team. It reflects a shift towards increased EU powers in defense-related areas and greater integration of new member states to unify the continent against external threats.
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