Today, the European Commission is set to present the annual enlargement package, which will mark the end of five grim years under Olivér Várhelyi as neighbourhood and enlargement commissioner.

Even in one of his final decisions as enlargement commissioner, Várhelyi demonstrates blatant disregard of the European Parliament by presenting the package in a way that prevents its timely presentation to the members.

Enlargement needs a fresh start to bury Várhelyi’s disastrous legacy, the Socialists and Democrats urge in anticipation of the package.

Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, said:

“It is a relief that Várhelyi's time as enlargement commissioner is over. Under his watch, there has been no good news from the Western Balkans region regarding the rule of law, democracy, media freedom and social rights. His close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán – widely seen by international media and political commentators as Vladimir Putin’s pawn – have been a black spot on the EU’s work with Ukraine and other eastern neighbours.

“Instead of promoting and ensuring European values, principles and rules in the countries aspiring to join the EU, he defended Orbán’s interests; trying to undermine the EU’s geostrategic influence and credibility. Acting as Orbán’s disciple, he simply proved to be no actor at all.”

Nacho Sánchez Amor, S&D spokesperson on foreign affairs, added:

“Deploring Várhelyi’s disappointing record, we are now looking forward to turning a new page with a new enlargement commissioner and giving a fresh push to this process.

“We should never forget that the EU is the best peace project in the world and the enlargement process is keeping it alive and making it stronger. We observe with concern that there have been no enlargements for over a decade, ever since Croatia joined in July 2013, which is the longest period without enlargement ever since the first one in 1973.

“With Russia’s war against Ukraine posing an unprecedented threat to peace and security in the entire European continent, a vibrant and credible enlargement process is, today, more important than ever.

“The S&Ds have always been and will remain the most vocal advocates of a more ambitious EU enlargement policy that must continue to be based on merit. We urge the countries aspiring to join the EU to tackle the necessary reforms in order to be ready for EU membership as soon as possible.”