Costa: Ukraine Has Proven It Belongs in the EU Even During War
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has achieved significant progress toward European integration. EU enlargement remains a crucial priority given the current geopolitical climate. European Council President Antonio Costa made these remarks at the EU Enlargement Summit in Brussels on November 4, according to Ukrinform.
“Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries belong in the European Union. 2025 was a year of concrete progress for our enlargement partners. We have seen very hard work deliver very real progress,”
Costa highlighted the notable advancements in Moldova and Ukraine. He emphasized their swift completion of the acquis screening by the Commission in just one year, despite Ukraine being at war and Moldova facing ongoing challenges to its democracy and sovereignty.
“Ukraine—a country at war—and Moldova facing repeated attacks on its democracy and sovereignty, have, in the course of one year, completed the screening of the acquis by the Commission at record speed,”
From January 2026, both Moldova and Ukraine will join the EU's free-roaming zone. Costa also noted Montenegro's potential to become the EU's 28th member by the end of 2026, having made remarkable progress.
He further mentioned Kosovo's position within the Western Balkans enlargement perspective and called for a positive signal from the EU toward Kosovo’s integration.
“In an age of geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability, an enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe, at home and in the world.”
Summary
President Costa underlined that expanding the EU, including Ukraine and its neighbors, is vital for Europe's security and stability amid global uncertainties.
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