Ursula von der Leyen: The future of Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries is in the EU.

The head of the European Commission called on the EU to formulate a concept for the successful expansion of the block. Von der Leyen also stated the importance of reforming the EU as an institution by amending the EU Treaty and the European Convention, if necessary. However, she added, there is no need to wait for changes to the treaty to expand the EU.

The head of the EC expressed the opinion that the EU may not have 27 but more than 30 states. She added that Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and Moldova should be admitted to the union in the future. Von der Leyen also noted “the importance of the prospect of joining the EU for many Georgians.”

The commission will begin work on a policy review to understand what each area may need to adapt to the larger union, she said.