Ukraine and Moldova have officially started negotiations to join the European Union, marking a significant step towards potential EU membership. This development comes two years after both countries applied for membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Historic Talks in Luxembourg
The formal discussions began on Tuesday in Luxembourg with back-to-back Intergovernmental Conferences. Delegations from Ukraine and Moldova, alongside representatives from the European Commission and Belgium (currently holding the rotating EU presidency), participated in these talks. Ukraine’s delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna, while Prime Minister Dorin Recean headed Moldova’s team.
Stefanishyna called the meeting a “historic moment” for Ukraine, emphasizing the nation’s unity and determination to pursue EU membership despite the ongoing war. Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib praised Ukraine’s commitment to reforms under difficult circumstances, reaffirming the EU Commission’s support.
Symbolic Yet Significant
While Tuesday’s meeting was largely symbolic, it allows the European Commission to begin evaluating the alignment of Ukraine’s and Moldova’s national laws with EU standards in areas like energy, financial services, and food safety. The approved negotiating frameworks for both countries will guide the accession process.
Long Road Ahead
EU membership requires extensive judicial, economic, and constitutional reforms, often taking around a decade for candidate countries to join. Currently, seven other countries are also in line for EU membership, with five already in formal negotiations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova’s journey to EU membership will be rigorous and demanding. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, praised Ukraine’s resilience and urged the EU to prepare for enlargement by 2030.
Challenges and Optimism
Despite optimism from Ukrainian officials, experts caution that the accession process will be long and complex. Issues like economic disparity and internal EU politics could pose significant challenges. For instance, Hungary has expressed concerns over Ukraine’s corruption levels and minority rights, which might slow down the process.
EU leaders have stressed that the enlargement process remains merit-based, without shortcuts, even amidst the urgency brought on by Russia’s invasion. The EU aims to integrate its eastern flank to avoid geopolitical isolation.
As negotiations continue, the focus will be on ensuring both Ukraine and Moldova meet the necessary criteria for EU membership, while also navigating the complex political landscape within the EU itself.
