Marta Kos: Eberswalde's ambassador for the EU and Ukraine!

Marta Kos: Eberswalde's ambassador for the EU and Ukraine!

There is something very special in the air in Eberswalde! On October 20, 2015, Marta Kos, the Ambassador of Slovenia in Berlin, was a guest at the Hoeck Foundation's “Diplomatic Salon – The World as a Guest in Eberswalde”. Martin Hoeck, the organizer of the event, raves about the positive response that Kos elicited from the guests. One participant enthusiastically reported that she traveled to Slovenia with her children to experience the country's impressive nature and development. Kos’s visit was the start of an impressive career that would eventually lead her to the EU Commission.

After her appearance in Eberswalde, Kos continued her career with flying colors. In 2016 she was named Ambassador of the Year by Diplomatic Magazine and in 2017 she took over the embassy for Slovenia in Switzerland, where she worked until 2020. Her outstanding achievements were awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, the Great Cross of Merit, in 2019. Today she is not only a prominent representative of Slovenia, but also the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Eastern Neighborhoods and the Reconstruction of Ukraine in Brussels, since December 1, 2024.

The ALDE Congress and the future of the EU

A few days ago, on October 24th and 25th, 2025, the ALDE Congress took place in Brussels, where Martin Hoeck, delegate for the FDP Brandenburg, had the opportunity to meet Kos in her new official position. He brought her greetings from Eberswalde and invited her to visit again. In interviews, Kos emphasized that EU enlargement is a crucial aspect of her career, metaphorically describing the process as a “marathon, not a sprint.” Their top priority is to ensure that each candidate country is examined on its own merits and that no shortcuts are allowed to access the European Union.

Kos also made it clear that support for reforms in the candidate countries is essential and that these countries should be gradually integrated into the internal market. Their work will not only affect Ukraine, which is receiving post-war reconstruction assistance, but also promote the ambitions of the Western Balkan countries. According to that European Union portal These areas are important components of the expanded EU strategy, which aims at political and economic stability.

Candidate countries and the Copenhagen criteria

The EU has never rested on its laurels - it has been expanded several times, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges for everyone involved. Political stability, trade benefits and higher standards are just some of the benefits new members can enjoy. But before joining the EU club, the Copenhagen criteria must be met, which include stable institutions and the ability to implement EU regulations. The path to membership is a complex process for many countries, as current candidate countries such as Albania, Moldova and Serbia show.

With all of these activities and conversations, the signs are set for progress and collaboration. Eberswalde, which shines through its diplomacy and exchange with Europe, can look forward to a return visit from Marta Kos. Invitations have been announced and the anticipation will be felt not only in the city, but also in Brussels. The next Diplomatic Salon, where the Ambassador of Costa Rica will be a guest on November 11, 2025, is already almost fully booked. The event series remains a hit even after more than ten years!