site.btaEU Must Expand and Reform - MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk

The European Union must expand, but at the same time, it must also undergo reform, said MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk on Thursday during the opening of the EU Meets the Balkans forum held in Sofia. The event is organized by the European Liberal Forum, the ALDE Party, and the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria.

Among the attendees are Vice President Iliana Iotova and Mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who is on a working visit to Bulgaria, is also taking part, alongside government representatives from Turkiye, Romania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro. Bulgarian MPs and policy experts are also present.

Kyuchyuk emphasized that the EU must be honest with the countries of the Balkans, and questioned whether the Union can continue making promises without setting clear deadlines. He acknowledged that accession to the EU is based on meeting certain criteria, but added that these are achievable when there is political will, expressing hope that such will would be demonstrated.

“Sofia has always insisted that enlargement policy remain at the core of European policy,” Kyuchyuk added.

He stressed that the conversation about the future of the EU must be honest and transparent.