Instead of deciding in Brussels on the beginning of the first clusters in the negotiations, European ministers could only note that discussions for both countries stay paralysed due to Hungary’s obstacle to Ukraine’s accession. However, the associate states resisted the temptation to separate the processes and start negotiations with Moldova alone, despite signals to that effect during the summer.
Moldova and Ukraine were granted candidate position almost simultaneously in 2022, a fewer months after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Yet, unlike Moldova, Ukraine has faced obstacles imposed by Budapest from the outset. The most fresh is the veto on the beginning of the first cluster of negotiations, justified by Hungary on the grounds of alleged discrimination against the Hungarian number in Ukraine, but besides on another grounds related to agriculture, the ongoing war and another issues. A non-binding public consultation was even organised, with 95 per cent of Hungarian participants declaring themselves in favour of the blockade.
According to Brussels, however, both Moldova and Ukraine meet the method criteria for the beginning of cluster one, known as “the fundamentals”, which covers key areas specified as the regulation of law, the functioning of democracy, human rights, the judicial strategy and the fight against corruption.
The beginning of this cluster would be the first major step in the accession negotiations, but it requires unanimity. While the Hungarian authorities say they are not opposed to beginning the cluster for Moldova, there are no signs that their position on Ukraine will change.
Some believe that it would be unfair for Moldova to become a “collateral victim” of the Hungarian veto and that it deserves additional support as a consequence of the crucial parliamentary elections held on September 28th. This is especially actual given the country continues to face hybrid propaganda attacks from Moscow aimed at weakening pro-European forces and president Maia Sandu.
Earlier this year, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said she did not regulation out separating the accession processes of Ukraine and Moldova, stressing that these were individual processes based on merit. The thought of separation was besides fuelled by Brussels’ dissatisfaction with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s actions regarding the independency of anti-corruption bodies.
“No associate state is opposed to beginning negotiation clusters with Moldova. I hope that we will find a solution not only for the first cluster, but for all negotiation clusters by the end of the year,” Kos said before the summer. However, this solution has not yet been found, and calls for separation have fallen silent.
A crucial number of associate states believe that separating Moldova and Ukraine would send a very bad signal to Kyiv, at a time erstwhile uncertain discussions are taking place on safety guarantees in the event of peace. EU membership appears to be the only possibly viable option for Kyiv at a time erstwhile NATO’s doors stay closed and future US support remains highly uncertain.
Another key reason is that a separation would be seen as a political gift to Budapest. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán would see it as another victory, reinforcing his belief that he can influence relations between the EU and Ukraine. These 2 reasons explain why many associate states – from the Baltic states to France and Germany – do not support a separate process for Ukraine and Moldova.
Finally, Moldova itself does not presently support the separation of the processes. respective European officials, including Moldovan ones, point out that it is precisely Ukraine’s opposition to Russian aggression that has put EU enlargement back at the top of the European agenda.
perceive to the latest Talk east Europe podcast episode:
Pressure on Budapest
Cristina Gerasimova, Moldova’s deputy prime minister for European integration, called for a common approach in early September: “We hope for a joint solution for Moldova and Ukraine. It is crucial for our safety and our way to accession that our region is unchangeable and secure, and for that we request a unchangeable and safe Ukraine,” she said at an informal gathering of European ministers.
In practice, this means a deadlock for both countries. In this context, Denmark, which holds the EU presidency, is advocating a two-pronged approach: expanding force on Hungary to lift its veto and, at the same time, preparing negotiations so that they can begin rapidly as shortly as the clusters are opened.
“We are continuing to put force on Hungary. At the same time, we are examining all the operational and method measures that we can apply right now, without formally beginning the clusters. That way, erstwhile they are opened, we will be able to close them rapidly and bring Ukraine and Moldova closer to the EU,” said Marie Bjerre, the Danish minister for European affairs.
In fresh practice, there are examples of separating processes for candidate countries that were initially treated as a bloc. precisely 1 year ago, the EU decided to separate the accession process for Albania and North Macedonia, which had been facing a Bulgarian veto on the launch of negotiations for years. Following this separation, North Macedonia remains blocked, while Albania has opened 5 of the six negotiation clusters in 11 months, or 28 of the 33 chapters in total, constituting the fastest accession process always recorded in the Western Balkans.
It is inactive unclear if and erstwhile Ukraine and Moldova will be separated, but 1 thing is clear: enlargement only happens erstwhile interior reforms align with geopolitical and strategical imperatives.
This text was first published in French on portal Le Courrier des Balkans and is republished here as part of a content exchange promoted by MOST – Media Organisations for Stronger Transnational Journalism, a task co-funded by the European Commission, which supports independent media specialising in global coverage.
Dušan Gajić is simply a correspondent based in Brussels. He is besides the founder of SEETV – South East Europe tv Exchanges and a documentary author and producer.
New east Europe is simply a reader supported publication. delight support us and aid us scope our goal of $10,000! We are nearly there. Donate by clicking on the button below.
