Kubilius: Historical disputes not solved by blocking candidates in EU accession process
Brussels, 16 July 2025 (MIA) - It is unacceptable that bilateral rows are used to block the accession negotiations of EU candidate-states, said European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, in remarks at the 107th Rose-Roth Seminar in Brussels.
In response to a question by VMRO-DPMNE MP Dragan Kovachki, Commissioner Kubilius said that he is not directly involved in the accession process, while adding that he and Croatian colleague Tonino Picula drafted a report on the EU enlargement strategy while serving as Members of the European Parliament, in which they highlighted two key aspects.
"First, we expressed our expectation that the enlargement process should be completed by 2030, which I believe is realistic, and second, we noted it is completely unacceptable that EU member-states are trying to solve historical disputes by blocking accession negotiations of candidate-states. Our proposal was rather simple - these disputes to be solved in a different way. Unfortunately, this is currently the case and it is not fair to our candidates," said Kubilius.
He added that no one from the West blocked the countries from Central and Eastern Europe when they were EU candidates, though they could, "so it is regretful that Union members from that region are now blocking the enlargement process."
"I believe it is not fair that we see such behavior from member-states coming from Central and Eastern Europe," said Kubilius.
MP Kovachki said that EU integration is the right path and the country's strategic goal, but it comes across obstacles set by a NATO ally and a Union member.
According to him, there is real risk for this standstill in the enlargement process to be used by third parties, whose interests differ from the ones of NATO and EU.
"In order to restore trust, we need mutual respect. We remain committed to full-fledged EU membership but there is also a need for sincere efforts by our partners towards preserving the principles of equality and respect, in which we all believe," said Kovachki.
Photo: European Parliament
