After much delay, Slovenia has finalised the procedure to nominate its European commissioner, but the process indicates Marta Kos is likely to face more obstacles in her bid to take over the enlargement portfolio.

The government was able to confirm the nomination on 19 September, after Kos, a 59-year-old former diplomat, received the go-ahead from the parliamentary EU Affairs Committee the day before.

Dominated by the coalition but chaired by the opposition, the committee issued its positive non-binding opinion after a heated debate in which Kos faced a series of accusations from the opposition.

Enlargement as security priority

In laying out her vision for the portfolio she was assigned by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she described herself as a "dedicated European" and the assignment of enlargement as a significant vote of confidence in Slovenia.

"To me, enlargement is synonymous with the EU, and the EU is synonymous with peace. Furthermore, peace represents stability, security, the future, connectivity, and inclusion," Kos said.

She pointed out that Slovenia's own successful integration into the EU could serve as a valuable example for other Western Balkan countries aspiring to join. Slovenia's and the EU's progress is interconnected with the advancement and development of its neighbours, she said.

Questioned on the specifics, she expressed doubt that all candidate countries would be able to join the bloc by 2030, but said EU enlargement was a strategic, economic and security priority.

"We wish for progress in the Western Balkans and the opening of new [negotiating] chapters, a new push in North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina," she said.

Unquestionable support for Ukraine

She said Europe's support for Ukraine was unquestionable because the war there is also about Europe's safety, freedom and values.

"This is confirmation that the EU's financial, political and military support for Ukraine will persist as long as needed," she said.

But she acknowledged agriculture would be a major challenge when it comes to Ukraine joining the EU since the country has a third of all farmland in Europe and the EU spends a third of its budget on agriculture.

"This means Ukraine's EU accession cannot take place until we have sorted out this exceptionally important segment. Of course it would be simplest to let in cheap grain and other products from Ukraine, but that would be the death of our farmers," she said.

Allegations of pro-Russian views

During the debate, opposition MPs questioned her fitness to become commissioner, bringing up her alleged ties to the notorious Yugoslav-era secret police UDBA and her allegedly pro-Russian views, both of which she denied.

Committee chair Franc Breznik, a member of the Democrats (SDS), warned her in a lengthy closing address that such questions were bound to surface during the committee Hearing at the European Parliament and said MEPs would be more unforgiving.

Indeed, the European portal Politico listed her among the five commissioner candidates most likely to fall in European Parliament hearings.

The portal also reported on her "conciliatory" comments toward Moscow she made for the portal Žurnal24 in March 2022, quoting her as saying "We must be critical toward Russia, but we must not close our doors to Russia." and "Slovenia has always had a good relationship with Russia, but under the government of [Prime Minister] Janez Janša we saw a drift away from Russia toward the US."

Kos: Quotes taken out of context in blatant manipulation

In response on 19 September, Kos denied ever having had pro-Russian views, saying the quotes "have been taken out of the context and are a blatant manipulation".

She said the authors of the smear campaign omitted the first part of her reply, in which she clearly condemned Russia and made clear that "Russia is the aggressor and that it is violating international law ... and Russia is lying when it says that civilian institutions are not targets".

She said she had been on Ukraine's side since the beginning of the war. "Ukraine's response to Russian aggression is a fight for European values, democracy and freedom of all of us. We must support Ukraine in every possible way - politically, financially and militarily - for as long as it takes," Kos said.

Commenting on the accusations levelled against Kos, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon said they were "used to this level communication from the SDS".

He said information indicated the party was using various channels and institutions, including lobbyists, to try to undermine Kos's candidacy and the Commission president "with the goal of discrediting and toppling our prime minister".