EU directorate-general to render financial, technical support to Azerbaijan

Starting from February 1, 2025, the European Commission has established a Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), which will oversee enlargement and the accession negotiations with countries that are candidates or potential candidates for European Union membership.

This also involves communicating the advantages of enlargement both within EU Member States and among the enlargement partners, Caliber.Az reports, citing the message posted on the European Commission’s website.

Another key responsibility of DG ENEST is fostering regional cooperation and initiatives, including the gradual integration of candidate countries as they progress toward EU membership. The DG will oversee the majority of the EU's financial and technical aid to both enlargement partners and Eastern Neighbourhood countries, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.

Additionally, DG ENEST will provide ongoing support for Ukraine, continuing efforts related to its recovery and reconstruction, as well as hosting the Ukraine Donor Platform.

Commissioner For Enlargement, Marta Kos, said: “Peace, freedom and prosperity on our continent depend on the strength, on the unity, and also on the size of our European Union. This is the essence of our Enlargement policy. For the first time in 10 years, there is a realistic prospect that during this mandate, we can bring one or more countries to the finish line of negotiations. The road ahead will be challenging, but I am pleased that with the new Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood I will have a dedicated team, driven by knowledge and commitment, to support me in helping future Member States implement the necessary reforms to prepare their place inside our Union.” 

The establishment of this Directorate-General was revealed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the College of Commissioners' presentation in September 2024, with a formal decision by the Commission made at the beginning of the mandate in December 2024.

By Naila Huseynova