EU eyes Ukraine as cornerstone of future defence strategy, says Commissioner

The European Commission has signalled its intention to make Ukraine a central pillar of the European Union’s defence architecture, even prior to the country’s formal accession to the bloc.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos made the remarks during a business forum held in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Kos described Ukraine as offering a “unique opportunity” for the EU’s long-term defence plans.

“Ukraine could be a key element for the EU, which intends to take over the provision of its defence,” she stated, underscoring the strategic value Brussels places on Kyiv’s military potential in the post-conflict landscape.

"The European Commission will support any deal that will be in the interest of Ukraine," Kos told reporters, appearing reassured by Shmyhal’s reaffirmation of Ukraine’s red lines during talks.

"Today we have been talking about (the deal) and we got many confirmations that Ukraine will stay on the European path, so I don't see the danger."

Kos also highlighted the increasing significance of EU enlargement as a security dimension in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression. "More and more the enlargement process is being seen as a security guarantee for Ukraine," she said, underlining the strategic implications of Ukraine’s EU candidacy.

She added that Brussels intends to maintain close coordination with Washington regarding Ukraine’s accession process. "All of this together means that for sure we will discuss everything that will be going on with the US also in the scope of the enlargement process."

Looking ahead, Kos said the European Commission aims to open the six negotiation clusters of Ukraine’s accession roadmap by the end of the year—an objective that is equally shared by Kyiv. However, the process remains subject to the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states, and Hungary has emerged as a persistent obstacle.

Hungary has openly opposed Ukraine’s EU accession in its current form and has launched a public consultation to gather the opinions of its citizens on the matter. Nevertheless, Kos conveyed cautious optimism. "We speak to the representatives of the Hungarian government and we expect that all sides involved will show good faith and willingness to reach the compromise," she said, while acknowledging that the Commission’s internal progress is “ultimately bound by politics.”

"There is now a consensus among 26 member states to move ahead," she noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva