Ukraine and Moldova have commenced the first of six accession clusters, marking a significant step in their integration with the European Union. However, experts caution that the road to full membership remains long. During a recent overview, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos detailed the progress of candidate countries across 33 required reform chapters, using a tracking system that highlights areas needing work.
The EU members subsequently endorsed a common negotiating position, leading to the launch of the first cluster—covering fundamental areas like the rule of law and democratic institutions—in Luxembourg. For Kyiv and Chișinău, both granted candidate status in 2022, this represents a highly anticipated development. Despite the positive momentum, the path to Brussels remains complex.
The process has previously stalled due to objections from member states. Kos emphasized that every remaining step requires consensus among all 27 governments, suggesting that significant delays are possible if agreement is not reached. Furthermore, structural challenges persist.
Ukraine’s potential accession would present unique economic considerations, particularly regarding its agricultural sector and budgetary impact. While some analysts suggest that Ukraine and Moldova could complete necessary reforms by 2028, resistance from within the existing bloc is identified as a major impediment. Local leaders in both nations have established clear domestic goals, while the political machinery in Brussels continues to navigate internal disagreements and procedural hurdles, underscoring that the journey for full EU membership is multifaceted and requires sustained political commitment.
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