From February 1, 2025, the European Commission has a new Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST). This body will be responsible for enlargement and accession negotiations with candidate and potential candidate countries seeking to join the European Union. Its remit also includes communicating the benefits of enlargement within EU Member States and to enlargement partners. Regional cooperation and initiatives, including the gradual integration of candidate countries as they progress towards Union membership, constitute another key task for DG ENEST. Furthermore, this Directorate-General will manage the majority of the EU’s financial and technical assistance to enlargement partners, as well as to the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus. DG ENEST will also provide ongoing and sustained support for Ukraine and continue working on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, in addition to hosting the Ukraine Donor Platform.
Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated that peace, freedom, and prosperity on the continent depend on the strength, unity, and size of the European Union, emphasizing this as the essence of their Enlargement policy. She noted that for the first time in 10 years, there is a realistic prospect of bringing one or more countries to the finish line of negotiations during this mandate. While acknowledging the challenging road ahead, she expressed satisfaction in having a dedicated team within the new Directorate-General, driven by knowledge and commitment, to support her in assisting future Member States implement necessary reforms to prepare for their place within the Union.
The creation of this Directorate-General was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in September 2024 during the presentation of the College of Commissioners, with the formal Commission decision taken at the beginning of the mandate in December 2024. Further information about the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood can be found here.
The establishment of this new body represents a significant step by the European Union to support the development of Eastern European countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is expected to foster deeper regional cooperation, stimulate economic growth, and promote democratic values. For Armenia and Azerbaijan, this initiative could create new opportunities in the European integration process and contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and dialogue between the two nations.