Moldova and Ukraine No Longer Linked in EU Process

Following the opening of the first negotiating cluster in their European Union accession talks, Ukraine and Moldova will advance toward EU membership separately and at their own pace, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after the Moldova-EU summit, according to European Pravda.

Von der Leyen stressed that once the first cluster has been opened, each candidate country is assessed individually, as the implementation of required reforms depends on national circumstances.

Speaking about Moldova, she underlined the importance of a merit-based approach rather than vague promises of integration "as soon as possible". According to von der Leyen, the principle reflects the methodology agreed by all 27 EU member states, enables candidates to achieve measurable results and ensures that the EU meets its commitments.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the remaining five negotiating clusters could be opened in the coming weeks, Kyiv continues to face resistance from Budapest. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has said he opposes opening all negotiating clusters with Ukraine.

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