Eu Must Be Ready To Expand, Says Ursula Von Der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, urged the European Union to expedite the process of accepting new members, such as Ukraine, without the necessity of amending its founding treaties. In an address to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Tuesday, she emphasized the importance of streamlining decision-making within the EU and emphasized that waiting for treaty modifications should not impede progress toward enlargement. "The president of the European Commission told MEPs that the EU should streamline its decision-making, but we cannot—and we should not—wait for treaty change to move ahead with enlargement," stated von der Leyen. She further asserted, "A union fit for enlargement can be achieved faster." Von der Leyen's remarks highlight the European Union's commitment to fostering closer ties with neighboring countries like Ukraine. The call for expeditious enlargement reflects the EU's recognition of Ukraine's aspirations to strengthen its association with the union. The European Union has been engaged in discussions about the potential expansion of its membership to include countries in the Eastern European region, such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. While the process of enlargement typically requires changes to the EU's founding treaties, von der Leyen's statement signals a willingness to explore alternative approaches to facilitate the integration of new members. Enlargement discussions are critical not only for the EU but also for aspiring countries seeking closer alignment with European values and standards. These developments hold the potential to enhance political, economic, and security cooperation in the region. As the EU continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and evolving global dynamics, von der Leyen's call for a more agile approach to enlargement underscores the union's commitment to fostering stability, prosperity, and collaboration with its neighbors, including Ukraine.