President Maia Sandu states that the EU accession process for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine is merit-based. She emphasizes that although both countries have met the necessary conditions to move to the next stage, Chisinau cannot begin negotiations on the first cluster due to a political deadlock related to Ukraine, reports Adevarul. Maia Sandu also asserts that both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have fulfilled the technical requirements for advancing. However, a political blockade caused by Hungary’s opposition prevents the opening of negotiations for Kyiv, indirectly affecting Chisinau’s progress as well.
“The accession process is merit-based—this is clearly stated in all official documents. There is no provision, and no one claims, that two or three countries must advance at the exact same pace. Now, both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have met the necessary conditions or commitments for the next step. So, there are no differences in terms of technical aspects. Still, there is a problem: even though Ukraine has fulfilled the same commitments required to open negotiations on the first cluster, one member state—we all know which—is unwilling to support this move. Therefore, we’re not in a situation where Moldova has advanced more but cannot proceed because Ukraine hasn’t. It’s a political issue, and the European Commission and the European Union must resolve it. We hope a solution will be found soon,” she declared.
The leader from Chisinau expressed confidence that a solution will emerge, noting that her country is ready for the next steps.
FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ON X!
“In any case, there’s no strict rule that one, two, or three countries must move forward together. The entire process is merit-based. Of course, the political element plays a role, and the slight delay stems precisely from such a political aspect. Now, I am fully confident that European institutions will find a solution. We’re not sitting idly by, waiting. We know the next steps, and we are working on them. We will advance quickly to the next stage as soon as we complete the formal procedure. Everything depends on our technical capacity and the political support for this process,” Maia Sandu concluded.
President Sandu made these remarks after Politico reported that the European Union is considering granting Moldova a significant step forward in its accession process ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of September—potentially placing Chisinau ahead of Ukraine.