On September 17, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her nominated team of commissioners with whom she intends to work during the new term in office she won following the European Parliament elections of this June.

Marta Kos, a left-leaning Slovenian diplomat who supports Ukraine, but has made conciliatory comments towards Russia, is set to take charge of the enlargement portfolio.

Von der Leyen announced on Tuesday that Kos would be in charge of the membership applications of Ukraine and Moldova, among other candidate nations to the European Union.

Given the sensitivity of her job, Kos’s statements about Ukraine are sure to come under scrutiny when the European Parliament grills each nominee in four-hour sessions later this year.

“We must be critical toward Russia, but we must not close doors toward Russia,” Kos said in 2022. She also said that “Slovenia has always had a good relationship with Russia, but under the government of [Prime Minister] Janez Janša they saw a drift away from Russia towards the USA.”

The comments are sure to get close attention in Kyiv and Chisinau, where officials are optimistic and plan to integrate by 2030.

The 27-member country EU has opened formal accession talks with both countries and many steps remain before they can become fully-fledged members.

RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service said that Marta Kos, coming from a former Yugoslav republic, is expected to pay greater attention to the Western Balkan countries that “have been in the waiting room of the Western club for a long time”.