Plans for the European Union’s enlargement are viewed as a strategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity of the country and the region. Such positions are reflected in the draft final declaration of the EU summit, which was circulated with the materials. This is a signal of positive prospects, but not a final decision on the start of accession talks, which is awaited in Chisinau.

The document states: “As future member states, as well as the EU, must be ready at the moment of accession.”

The decision to start negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova must be taken unanimously by the EU member states. However Hungary continues to oppose Ukraine’s accession, accusing it of violating the rights of the Hungarian minority, as well as of being dangerous and corrupt, not ready for membership. Moldova is indirectly affected, as its accession is synchronized with Ukraine’s accession.

Prospects and challenges for Moldova and the EU

The start of negotiations, which was expected before the New Year, is not yet planned; in Brussels, the general view indicates a possible start after a potential change of leadership in Budapest following the April elections.

On December 16 in The Hague, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a conversation with his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu, reiterated the joint position.

“Further progress of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova must be simultaneous and closely coordinated”

– President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky

The government in Chișinău proposed a way to make productive use of the waiting time. On December 15, three days before the EU summit, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gerasimova announced that Chișinău would begin “technical negotiations” with the European Commission and the Danish presidency of the EU regarding the first three groups (or “clusters”) of accession: “Fundamental values,” “Internal market,” and “External relations.” This is half of the six clusters.

Despite some uncertainty, Moldova is using the waiting period as time to prepare for negotiations, developing a roadmap for European integration and refining internal and foreign-policy commitments. The path to full membership will depend on the positions of other EU members and internal circumstances in the country.