Brussels – If a name change were a signal of renewed focus on a topic, the European Commission’s internal reorganisation would be a strong indication of its commitment to EU enlargement. As of 1 February, the new Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) has replaced the former Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), highlighting the strategic importance of the EU’s closest neighbouring regions in the next five-year mandate.
DG ENEST will oversee enlargement and accession negotiations with candidate and potential candidate countries seeking to join the European Union. This includes the “gradual integration” of candidate countries, as well as “communicating the benefits of enlargement” both within EU Member States and among enlargement partners. This priority aligns precisely with Commissioner Marta Kos‘s vision of strengthening the “soft power” of EU enlargement—for example, through culture and sports—which will be outlined in the upcoming communication strategy.
The Commission’s internal reorganisation involves a division of responsibilities between the brand-new Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA) and DG ENEST, which will also oversee the EU’s financial and technical assistance to enlargement partners and Eastern Neighbourhood countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus). In addition, Director-General Gert Jan Koopman will supervise the “continued and sustained” support for Ukraine, focusing on its recovery and reconstruction through the Ukraine Donor Platform.
“For the first time in 10 years, there is a realistic prospect that during this mandate, we can bring one or more countries to the finish line of negotiations,” Commissioner Kos recalled, emphasising her pride in leading “a dedicated team driven by knowledge and commitment,” that will support future Member States in implementing the necessary reforms “to prepare their place inside our Union.”
