Would opening Moldova’s first negotiation cluster upset Ukraine? Maia Sandu: "It’s a political matter for the European Commission to resolve"
The process of accession to the European Union is based on the merits of each individual country and does not require that two or more nations progress at the same pace. This statement was made by President Maia Sandu in response to a report by Politico about a possible decision by the EU to open the first cluster of negotiations with the Republic of Moldova, rather than with Ukraine, which is currently facing obstacles from Hungary. The President emphasized that both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have met the necessary commitments for the next step in their integration process.
Maia Sandu indicated that there are no technical differences regarding the European Union accession process. However, she highlighted a political issue – one member state, specifically Hungary, is not supporting the opening of negotiations for Ukraine's first cluster, despite Ukraine having fulfilled the necessary commitments.
When asked about the idea of a "tandem accession" for Moldova and Ukraine, which has been suggested by several leaders, Sandu clarified that there is no legal requirement imposing such a condition. She stated, "The accession process is merit-based, as outlined in all related documents. There is no provision stating that two or three countries must progress at exactly the same pace."
Sandu emphasized that the current delay in Ukraine's case is political and must be addressed with the help of the European Commission and other EU institutions. She noted, "The Republic of Moldova has not advanced further because Ukraine has not progressed. This is a political issue that the European Commission and the EU must resolve, and we hope to reach a political solution."
Furthermore, Sandu affirmed that Chisinau is actively working on the next steps of the integration process. "I have full confidence that the European Commission and other institutions will find a solution. At the same time, we are not waiting or sitting idly by. We are already working on our next steps, so when the formal procedures conclude, we will be ready to move forward more quickly. Our progress depends on our technical capacity and the political support for this process," the president explained.
Politico previously reported that a decision regarding the opening of negotiations for Moldova's first cluster could take place during the EU ministers' meeting scheduled for September 1. Such a decision, made before parliamentary elections, could provide a significant electoral boost to President Maia Sandu, whose party is campaigning on a pro-EU platform and facing challenges from Russian influences aiming to sway the vote in favor of Moscow.
