The next enlargement, to Ukraine, to Moldova and to the Western Balkans, is crucial to strengthen our Union as a geopolitical player, said the President of Council of Europe at the opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union

"In this multipolar world, an enlarged European Union means a stronger, safer, and more peaceful Europe at home and abroad. The next enlargement, to Ukraine, to Moldova and to the Western Balkans, is crucial to strengthen our Union as a geopolitical player. To make enlargement a reality, we must act on two fronts at the same time.

First, we need to continue with reforms in the candidate countries. Second, the European Union must prepare itself to accommodate new members. In the context of the ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations, progress on enlargement is especially urgent over the next months, in order to reflect the impressive pace of reforms by Ukraine.

Accession is central to any peace deal - as a key foundation for Ukraine`s future prosperity and development. But 2026 is also important for the accession of Moldova and the Western Balkan partners. For Montenegro, for example, the next 12 months can see the completion of their accession negotiations, and we hope that the drafting of their accession treaty can start very soon during your Presidency.

In 2025, the priority was to create the building blocks of the Europe of Defence. We must continue to implement that agenda and accelerate our work towards European Defence Readiness. In 2026, working hand in hand with the European Commission, we must give a new impetus to Europe`s economic competitiveness. We must deliver for our citizens. Because social cohesion without prosperity is unsustainable. That is why, on the 12th of February, I will convene a strategic brainstorming session of European Leaders to discuss how to harness the full potential of Europe`s single market", - said António Costa.