Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, in his welcome speech at the 'Europe and Central Europe at a global turning point' conference, called for the European Union to prepare for the integration of Ukraine and Moldova by 2030, framing enlargement as essential to achieving a 'whole, free, and peaceful' Europe. He highlighted Central Europe as the continent's geographic and political heart, noting its economic and democratic progress since EU accession, and contrasted it with authoritarian neighbors, particularly Russia under Putin.
Kubilius's proposal aligns with the EU's ongoing enlargement push, which has been a strategic priority for the bloc. This follows Commissioner Marta Kos's November 18, 2025 speech at the Enlargement Forum, where she emphasized that enlargement remains a critical tool to counter autocratic tendencies and ensure peace, rejecting shortcuts in the accession process. President Ursula von der Leyen, in a video message at the same forum, framed enlargement as a strategic investment in security and prosperity, introducing Growth Plans that require candidate countries to implement key reforms to align with EU Single Market standards.
Kubilius portrayed Russia as a persistent threat to European peace, echoing the geopolitical urgency highlighted by High Representative Kaja Kallas on November 4, 2025, who described the current window for accession as unusually wide due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Kallas emphasized that accession remains a rigorous, merit-based process, with Montenegro and Albania as frontrunners, while Ukraine and Moldova show remarkable reform achievements despite challenges.
Kubilius's strategy, titled 'Success of Ukraine,' calls for enabling Ukraine's democratic and economic achievements as a safeguard for Europe and a potential catalyst for change in Russia. He cited recent financial commitments, including 150 billion in SAFE loans and a 60 billion defense loan for Ukraine, alongside NATO pledges. This builds on earlier proposals by Commissioner Kos, who on November 13, 2025, articulated a three-pronged approach: ensuring candidate readiness, preparing the EU via a 'pre-accession readiness review,' and promoting early integration in areas like energy and single market alignment.
Kubilius's speech also favored enhancing European collective defense capabilities, reinforcing the defense-oriented policy direction set by Kos on October 30, 2025, where she argued enlargement strengthens EU security cooperation, including shared intelligence and coordinated actions against organized crime and corruption. The proposals imply increased EU powers through enlargement and extended financial support for defense, potentially boosting the defense industry but requiring greater fiscal commitments from EU consumers and taxpayers. National authorities in Ukraine and Moldova would see expanded responsibilities, while NGOs advocating for democratic governance might gain stronger backing amid heightened geopolitical tensions.