European officials reaffirm their support for the European Union’s enlargement and for advancing Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in the accession process. Statements to this effect were made, according to the public broadcaster TV, ahead of the EU General Affairs Council, held on 17 November in Brussels.
Among the topics discussed related to the EU’s future multiannual budget, the Council also addressed the agenda of the upcoming European Council, scheduled for 18 December.
The meeting on 18 December will be the last opportunity this year for EU leaders to agree on opening the first negotiation clusters with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.
Several EU officials responsible for European Affairs expressed at the start of today’s meeting their support for opening accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of fundamental reforms in the rule of law and the justice system to advance in the enlargement process.
“Croatia is among those who truly advocate for Ukraine to advance, just as it is for Moldova. It is extremely important that the merit-based approach is maintained, as this is the only way enlargement can succeed fully, both for the candidate countries and for the European Union,” said Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, State Secretary at the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
“Enlargement must be based on merit. It relies on reforms regarding the rule of law, markets, and the justice system. What the Commission clarified is that both Ukraine and Moldova have done their homework to qualify for the opening of the first cluster. Therefore, France supports the opening of these discussions with Moldova and Ukraine. And I regret that, due to some bilateral issues with Hungary, this process is currently blocked,” stated Benjamin Haddad, Minister responsible for European Affairs of France.
We recall that Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu also arrived in Brussels, with scheduled meetings with several EU officials, including the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa. Additionally, the Prime Minister and members of the Government will participate in the first forum organized by Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on the topic of EU enlargement.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu will also attend the European Business Summit. Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, is also expected in Brussels. During a discussion platform organized by the European Policy Center, in collaboration with the “Moldova-European Union” Club, she will discuss with Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood at the European Commission, as well as Romanian MEP Siegfried Mureșan, about Moldova’s progress and the biggest challenges it faces on its path toward European integration.