Ukraine is lagging behind Moldova on the EU path, European Commission explains why
Ursula von der Leyen (photo: Getty Images)
The European Commission has reported that Ukraine is lagging behind Moldova on its path to European Union membership because of insufficient progress in the fight against corruption, according to the Financial Times.
Both countries applied for membership in the bloc in 2022, after Russia's full-scale invasion, and have moved in tandem since then.
However, the European Commission's enlargement report indicates that Chisinau could conclude membership negotiations by early 2028. Kyiv, by contrast, would require an additional year and a significant acceleration in the pace of reforms.
The Commission commended Ukraine's efforts under the difficult circumstances caused by Russian aggression, but emphasized the need to demonstrate substantial progress in combating corruption.
To assist Kyiv, Brussels has established a special working group focused on accelerating rule-of-law reforms. The report also noted an increased reform momentum, driven by the parliament's adoption of legislation required to unlock EU financial support.
Negotiation timelines, Montenegro's progress
Moldova's goal of concluding negotiations by early 2028 is ambitious but achievable. Chisinau is expected to close 25 negotiating chapters in 2027, while Kyiv is projected to close only seven next year. In total, the process is divided into 35 chapters, aimed at aligning national legislation with EU standards.
Meanwhile, Montenegro could sign an accession treaty as early as mid-next year, becoming the first new member since Croatia joined in 2013.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos indicated to journalists that, at the current pace, the country would be ready to sign by June 2027. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić pledged to continue reforms until it achieves full membership.
Kyiv's stance
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová said the decoupling from Moldova is not meant to diminish Kyiv's achievements.
She said that Ukraine maintaining the pace of reforms in the fifth year of the war—and amid this incredible escalation that has been ongoing since the end of the summer—is remarkable in itself.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously warned that separating the two countries is morally wrong. He also emphasized that Ukraine prevents Russia from creating problems in Transnistria.
At the same time, Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed satisfaction with the European Commission's report, which reflects her country's steady progress.
As previously reported, the European Commission has presented a report on Ukraine's progress toward EU membership. The document highlights the country's significant success in implementing reforms despite the full-scale war, and its fulfillment of the requirements to open three negotiating chapters.
