Enlargement Package 2023
On 8 November 2023, the European Commission adopted its 2023 Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine on their respective paths towards the European Union, with a particular focus on implementing fundamental reforms, as well as clear guidance on the reform priorities ahead.
New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans
On 08 November 2023, the European Commission also adopted a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with the aim of bringing some of the benefits of membership to the region in advance of accession, boost economic growth and accelerate much needed socio-economic convergence. The objective should be to enable partners to step up reforms and investments to significantly accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of their economies. For this, a new €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans has been proposed for the period 2024-2027.
Support for Ukraine
The EU stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through political, financial and humanitarian support as long as needed.
The EU has reacted swiftly and decisively against Russia’s aggression by adopting unprecedented packages of sanctions targeting the Russian economy and financial system, the Kremlin media machine and its corrupt elite.
Latest news
Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the NEAR Days, via video message
Dear Gert-Jan, dear colleagues, I am really glad that this year, you decided to bring together the whole DG NEAR family, including colleagues in headquarters and in our 23 Delegations across the region. Because today, more than ever before, DG NEAR stands at the heart of the European Commission
Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between The Arab Republic Of Egypt and the European Union
The Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Union have mutually agreed to elevate their relationship to the level of a strategic and comprehensive partnership, based on the values of equity and on mutual respect and trust.
Press statement by President von der Leyen with Austrian Chancellor Nehammer, Belgian Prime Minister De Croo, Cypriot President Christodoulidis, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Italian Prime Minister Meloni and Egyptian President El-Sisi
Thank you very much, Mr President, for your warm welcome and hospitality. I am very glad to be back in Cairo. The partnership between the European Union and Egypt is of critical importance. The presence of six European Leaders today shows how deeply we value our relationship.
Two years on, synchronisation of Ukraine and Moldova's electricity grids continues to ensure energy stability
Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the successful emergency synchronisation of Ukraine's and Moldova's electricity grid to the Continental European Network. This operation is a very tangible example of the EU's immediate support to Ukraine and Moldova in the aftermath of Russia's invasion.