“Credibility cuts both ways” was my message to our frontrunner candidate countries for joining the EU, and to the members of the European Parliament.

“No Trojan Horses” - that’s what I told the European Parliament. We need to put the right safeguards in place.

Belarusian freedom fighters Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka are out after years in prison and here in my Brussels office with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Maria says she was always “free in her mind” during her detention - inspiring. All political prisoners must be released and repression ended

Iceland is already a strong and trusted partner. Accession negotiations always reflect the specific realities of each candidate country.

Iceland has announced holding a referendum on whether to restart EU membership negotiations. A significant decision now lies ahead for the Icelandic people. In a world that is changing fast, the European Union offers an anchor in a community of values, prosperity and security.

Building an independent Europe means bringing candidate countries into the EU. In Berlin, I discussed the progress of future member states with the German Bundestag and Foreign Ministry. Credible reforms remain at the centre of the process, along with strong guarantees to make our Union stronger.

Iceland is a trusted partner and close friend of the EU. I had a timely exchange with Iceland's Foreign Minister Gunnarsdóttir on the future of our relations. We agreed to stay in close contact as we address our changing geopolitical environment in these turbulent times.

Our 90€ billion support package to Ukraine is about more than financial assistance. It reconfirms our commitment to build a stronger & more stable Ukraine. A Ukraine able to defend itself in the short term while preparing for its EU membership, recovery & long-term prosperity.

Welcome Moldova and Ukraine to the EU roaming free area! As of today, you can ‘roam like at home’ because we are preparing a home for you in the European Union. The benefits of our Union bring Europeans across the continent closer together - also ahead of EU accession.

Congratulations Spain and Portugal for 40 years of EU membership! Successfully transforming from nascent democracies into democratic powerhouses, you continue to inspire. With democracy again under attack, EU Enlargement strengthens democratic resilience across our continent.

Following the elections in Kosovo, we look forward to the swift formation of the new Assembly and Government. The new government should redouble its efforts on much needed EU-related reforms. Full statement ⤵️

A few days ago, Belarus released 123 political prisoners. A moment of hope. But the fight to release all political prisoners is not over. That is why we need independent voices like Andrzej Poczobut & Mzia Amaglobeli. Congratulations for the 2025 Sakharov Prize!

Closing 5 accession chapters today, Montenegro concludes a great year of progress for EU enlargement. It is decisively accelerating its road to the EU. To cross the finish line, reforms to support independence of courts, anti-corruption measures & free media must now intensify.

After a successful 2025 for Moldova's EU aspirations, we are moving to the next phase of technical negotiations. Today, we received guidance from all 27 Member States to instruct our work on Moldova's reform trajectory. Another step to bring Moldovans closer to the EU. 👇

We are picking up speed & intensity on Ukraine's EU path. Today, Member States have provided guidance to enter a new phase of accession negotiations on fundamentals, internal market & external relations. A 10 point plan will prioritize reforms including on anti-corruption.

We are now halfway through the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Important progress was made, but a lot more work lies ahead to improve citizens' lives across the region. Let's step up efforts together & bring the positive change people rightly expect.