Boland welcomes European Commissioner for Enlargement to family farm in Offaly

Ballycumber native Seamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, recently welcomed European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to his family farm in Offaly.

Kos is responsible for driving the European Union’s enlargement process and developing the EU’s relations with countries in the region, including the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova.

Her role includes working with candidate and potential candidate countries as they progress towards EU membership, supporting structural reforms, the rule of law and fundamental values, while also strengthening their resilience and preparedness.

Kos also leads the European Commission’s continued support for Ukraine, including work on the country’s reconstruction and its path towards EU accession. She is also responsible for supporting cooperation with Türkiye and for EU engagement with the countries of the Southern Caucasus.

During her visit to Offaly, Mr Boland highlighted the importance of ensuring that citizens and local communities are involved in the EU enlargement process.

“Successful enlargement must involve citizens and communities, not just governments. That was the case I made, welcoming Marta Kos to our family farm in Offaly,” Mr Boland said.

“We share the view that enlargement is not just a technical process. It is, above all, a shared human project.”

Kos added: “We need citizens, farmers, businesses and civil society to make enlargement a success."