“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.

This is why the European Union has now suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials over the country’s democratic backsliding and its crackdown on protesters. (2/2) My statement with @MartaKosEU ↓ ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

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 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.

2025 was a good year for #EUEnlargement - let's make 2026 even better! Thank you to the 🇩🇰 Presidency and Marie Bjerre for the good cooperation over the past six months. I look forward to continuing our efforts for a stronger & more united Europe under the 🇨🇾 Presidency.

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. 👇

Ukraine’s EU membership is a crucial part to come to lasting peace & stability in Europe. Last week we entered a new phase of technical negotiations. We are not losing any time on Ukraine's reform path. Watch my #FAC doorstep: newsroom.consilium.europa.eu/events/20251...

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.

Last night, Russia killed 25 people in Ternopil. Just one night. Fifty missiles. Five hundred drones. This is the Ukrainian reality we should never forget. These are the strains under which the Ukrainian people reform & build their future in the European Union.

When done right, a larger Union makes us more secure & prosperous. This requires: 🔹credibility of reforms in our candidate countries, 🔹safeguards for the integrity of our Union, 🔹moving beyond Enlargement. My speech at the Enlargement Forum: link.europa.eu/RHXgWw

Opening the final of all 6 negotiating clusters with Albania, is a strong display of its commitment to its EU path. The coming year will be Albania's moment of truth to accelerate reforms. It will be Albania's chance to seize the momentum & make Albania's EU path irreversible.

In Warsaw today to mobilise private investments at the Rebuild Ukraine conference. This requires a credible reform agenda & strong anti-corruption measures. With Ukraine, we are working hard to build the trust to progress decisively & prepare for a successful reconstruction.

I am saddened by the tragic Turkish Air Force plane crash. My condolences to the families of the servicemen who lost their lives. My thoughts are with the people of Türkiye.

Autocrats fear free citizens. They put our democracies under pressure. In Member States and candidates alike. Today, the Commission adopted new tools to defend our freedoms. Our new Democracy Shield will help current and future member states to stand as one.

Moldova is on track to join the EU. Now is the time to accelerate reforms & fulfill the high ambitions. Moldovans voted loud & clear for their rightful place in Europe. 5 times in 5 years. Today is the moment to unite & build a national consensus to deliver on this promise.

This week, we wrapped up a year of assessing the reforms delivered by our future member states. 2025 saw significant progress on #EUEnlargement. Take a look behind the scenes of Enlargement Package Day 👇

To advance towards the EU, Serbia needs a framework that ensures free and fair elections & enjoys the trust of citizens. Congratulations on the adoption of the Law on the Unified Voting Register. This is an important step. We look forward to seeing the law applied in practice.

Bulgaria & North Macedonia agreed to advance work on Corridor VIII. A key project connecting the Adriatic Sea with the Black Sea via road & rail. This is an important step to build trust through regional connectivity, shared prosperity & people to people contacts.

Gender equality and non-discrimination are an integral part of EU law. Aligning with it is part of the EU accession process. This is not a private demand of the Ambassador of the EU in Albania. Any attacks on him are unacceptable.

As Tuzla continues to mourn the tragic fire in a nursing home that claimed 11 lives and left many more injured, my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. Grateful to the firefighters and medical staff who worked through the night to save lives.

2025 was a year of significant progress for EU enlargement. Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova stand out. They advanced most on reforms in the past year. Our candidates have ambitious goals to finish negotiations. The coming year will be a moment of truth.

Warm congratulations to the newly appointed Moldovan government of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. I look forward to working together to accelerate Moldova’s reform trajectory, and to bring a prosperous, secure, and strong democratic Moldova inside the European Union.

One year ago, the Novi Sad train station collapse took 16 lives. We remember them today. This tragedy is changing Serbia. It moved masses to stand for accountability, free expression and inclusive democracy. They are the same values to lead Serbia into the EU.

With President Macron and Minister Delegate for Europe Haddad, we discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future with its Presidency. 🇧🇦 leaders have recently delivered on their Reform Agenda. We must now build on this positive step, deliver on reforms & start accession negotiations.

If done right, new members will make our Union more independent. Only a unified Europe, will give us back control over our own destiny. This effort requires a close involvement of national parliaments. Thank you for the valuable exchange at the 🇫🇷 Senate & National Assembly.

When factories of lies and disinformation thrive, the integrity of our information space is a matter of national security. Our democracies rest on independent media. We need stronger cooperation to fight back, and ensure free and reliable information for all.

An excellent choice for the 2025 Sakharov Prize. Strong leaders do not fear independent journalists. When journalists are silenced, repression and corruption thrive. We need more independent voices like Andrzej Poczobut & Mzia Amaglobeli. They must be set free. Immediately.

Now is the time for strategic choices. Also for Serbia. It needs implementing EU reforms it has repeatedly promised to deliver. It needs responding to what citizens ask loud and clearly. Now is the time to deliver & lead Serbia to the EU. The EU's offer will not be matched.

With peace taking root in the Caucasus we see a once in a generation chance to advance regional cooperation and to strengthen Europe's independence. With Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, we explored how to make infrastructure projects happen and bring Europe and Asia closer.

All countries stretching from Europe to the borders of China are in Luxembourg today. We want to connect through new infrastructure for more freedom to act & more options to trade. For more independence for all nations along this route. Today is a first step 👇🏼

Georgians want a European future. Yet disinformation & lies about Europe are promoted by those in power. Opposition are jailed. Media & civil society silenced. This must stop. We condemn all repression & urge Georgian authorities to engage in dialogue with their own citizens.

Today we agreed on a defence readiness roadmap and the steps to take until 2030. Ukraine will play a central role. Because a secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. Together we are working to provide the strongest guarantees for peace & stability for all of Europe.

Ukraine has made remarkable progress on EU reforms. Reform momentum must be upheld for progress towards EU accession. I discussed with Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka how the EU can help with strengthening the law enforcement agencies for the benefit of all Ukrainians.

EU brings stability and prosperity by empowering independent societies. We invest in infrastructure, digital and energy connectivity. We bring legal certainty. So our close partners can grow more strongly and shape their own future.

Global Gateway is about a Europe that can act. In a world where power creates dependencies, a united continent needs integrated energy, transport and digital connections. We invest to build stronger economies, support reforms & reduce dependencies. To shape our shared future.

Starting this week, 🇲🇩 citizens and businesses will enjoy the same treatment as EU citizens when sending money or receiving payments from the EU. No more extra fees. Just one single Euro payment area. Congratulations to #SEPA membership.

This weekend’s local elections in Georgia were held after months of increasing repression. Violence is not acceptable nor is disinformation about the EU’s role in 🇬🇪 & personal attacks against the 🇪🇺 Ambassador. Citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly & expression must be upheld.

Two years ago, floods devastated my home region of Koroška. Today, I see communities rebuilt - thanks to solidarity and 🇪🇺 support. This is the true spirit of Europe.

Croatian expertise and support are essential for addressing the challenges of Western Balkan partners on their EU 🇪🇺 path. Insightful, in-depth talks today with my friend Gordan Grlić-Radman and @andrejametelko.bsky.social on advancing enlargement.

Grateful that 🇭🇷 is a strong ally of EU enlargement as well as our support to Ukraine and Moldova. With Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Zagreb, we reaffirmed the need to take enlargement forward as the best way to address many of the challenges facing Europe.