European Commission Establishes Body to Assist Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Belarus

The European Commission has launched a new Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) effective February 1, 2025. This body will be responsible for enlargement and accession negotiations with candidate countries and potential candidates for European Union membership, as reported by the European Commission’s press service.

“It will also include communication within EU member states as well as about the benefits of enlargement for partners. Regional cooperation and initiatives will be part of its agenda, including the gradual integration of candidate countries as they work towards EU accession,” the statement reads.

The Directorate-General will oversee a significant portion of EU financial and technical assistance for enlargement partners, as well as for EU Eastern Neighbourhood countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus. Additionally, the Directorate-General will provide ongoing and sustainable support to Ukraine and will continue to work towards Ukraine's recovery and rebuilding,” the announcement states.