Today, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is in Vienna to reaffirm Austria’s engagement in advancing the EU enlargement agenda and to deepen cooperation with key Austrian stakeholders.
During her visit, Commissioner Kos will meet Claudia Plakolm, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Family, to discuss Austria’s sustained political backing for enlargement. Discussions will focus on conditionality and gradual integration as pillars of credibility, as well as on ways to catalyse public confidence in enlargement.
The Commissioner will also engage with Members of the Austrian Parliament to exchange views on the strategic importance of enlargement for Austria’s economy and security. She will stress the merit-based nature of the process and the safeguards in place to address costs, migration, and governance, while encouraging active parliamentary communication that highlights opportunities for Austrian citizens and businesses.
Later, Commissioner Kos will meet Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, to address Austria’s support for enlargement and active engagement with the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine. They will also explore Austria’s role in Ukraine’s reconstruction, including opportunities for Austrian businesses and closer coordination with the newly appointed national Reconstruction Coordinator. Following their meeting, Commissioner Kos and Minister Meinl-Reisinger will hold a joint press conference.
The visit will conclude with a dinner with enlargement experts, providing an opportunity to exchange views on the importance of enlargement in the current geopolitical context.
This mission underscores the European Commission’s commitment to working closely with Member States to strengthen credibility, foster public trust, and advance EU enlargement in a merit-based and inclusive manner.
