Ukraine and Moldova may be split on EU path, commissioner says
Photo: Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement (facebook.com/marta.kosmarko)
The European Union may separate Ukraine and Moldova's eurointegration paths due to Hungary's obstruction of negotiations with Kyiv, Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, says in an interview with Radio Free Europe.
As Kos explained, she does not rule out a "separation" of Ukraine and Moldova on their path to EU accession as early as June, when new enlargement decisions will be made in Brussels.
She added that no EU member state opposes Moldova's accession. In Ukraine's case, only Budapest is resisting.
Radio Free Europe adds that Moldova and Ukraine have been progressing together toward the EU, which is why they have been considered a tandem. Despite EU members approving the start of negotiations with both countries last year, not a single chapter of the dialogue has been opened yet.
Kos in particular believes that Moldova may become an EU member by the end of her mandate in 2029.
"Moldova is truly a model student in the whole group. They truly feel this historic moment," the European Commissioner explained.
The European Commissioner added that Ukraine, for its part, has also done enough. However, Hungary is politicizing the country's accession process and has raised many issues for negotiation. Kyiv is ready to fulfill them, but for Budapest "it is not enough."
Ukraine's accession to EU
Ukraine officially submitted its application for EU membership in February 2022, shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. In June 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine candidate status.
In November 2023, the European Commission recommended that the European Union Council begin the negotiation process for Ukraine’s integration. Talks started on June 25, 2024, in Luxembourg.
Meanwhile, Hungary organized a survey to assess citizens' attitudes toward Ukraine's EU membership.
