The Czech Republic opposes separating Ukraine from the Republic of Moldova in their joint negotiations to join the European Union. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky made the statement during a press conference he held in Kyiv alongside his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, IPN reported.
During his visit to Kyiv, Jan Lipavsky stated that his country supports opening the first cluster of accession negotiations for Ukraine to the EU as quickly as possible. He emphasized that the Czech Republic will not support what he considers an unnecessary separation of Ukraine from Moldova.
Officials had expected to open the first cluster of negotiations with both Chisinau and Kyiv in the first half of this year. It did not happen because Hungary vetoed the move, citing what it called a lack of rights for the Hungarian-speaking minority in Ukraine.
FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Because the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are “linked” in the negotiation process, this blockage also affects Chisinau. In April, officials discussed separating the two countries in the negotiation process, allowing Moldova to advance even if Ukraine could not. Later, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos confirmed that both states continue to advance together toward joining the EU.
Even so, the EU believes it can lift Hungary’s veto shortly after Denmark assumes the presidency of the European Council, which has so far prevented this scenario. At the start of its term, Denmark promised to apply maximum pressure on Hungary to unblock the launch of negotiations with Ukraine.