Twenty years ago, the European family embraced ten new Member States, a bold step that further reunified Europe, after decades of divisions following World War II. It was the biggest wave of enlargement of the EU. It was a reunification of a continent striving for freedom of all people, peace, stability and prosperity.

Yet, our work on the reunification of the continent is not complete. We knew it before 2022 and we know it even more today, with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The past years millions of Europeans showed their willingness and hope to join the EU project. 

The Western Balkans, Türkiye, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have a historic window of opportunity to strongly bind their future to the European Union. The EU enlargement is a transformative policy enhancing security, justice, and democracy while raising living standards of Europeans. 

The EU and candidates cooperate on security and defence, so we can face together and better the multiple geopolitical challenges. Future Member States are required to strengthen their democratic institutions and uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

The EU is also working to reform itself, preparing today for the Union of tomorrow. We aspire not just for a larger Union, but a stronger one, capable of upholding and projecting our shared values across the world.

Candidate countries and the EU have the historic opportunity to build a bigger, deeper and stronger European Union.