EU expresses potential divergence in membership process for Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union might be ready to move ahead with Moldova's EU membership process without Ukraine, as Hungary continues to block progress in Kyiv's negotiations. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos hinted at a possible separation, possibly as early as June, when key decisions regarding enlargement are due in Brussels.
Kos stated that no member state objects to starting the first round of negotiations with Moldova, while Hungary remains the sole holdout for Ukraine[1]. This potential split could be the EU's strategy to push Moldova's accession forward while dealing with objections raised by Hungary during Ukraine's negotiations[2][4].
It's worth noting that Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has repeatedly stalled Ukraine's EU membership bid, expressing concerns over the treatment of the Hungarian minority and the ongoing tensions with Russia[1][2][4].
In fact, Ukraine has been setting speed records in the accession process, according to its Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal[3]. The European Commission concurs, highlighting an unusually swift pace during the screening process[3].
Nevertheless, Hungary has presented numerous demands for talks, and Ukraine appears ready to meet all these requirements. However, it seems that this isn't enough to appease Hungary[1].
Regretfully, Hungary is complicating the EU accession process for Ukraine, as evidenced by the organized consultative poll opposing Ukraine's membership, and Orbán's public vote against it[1]. Commissioner Kos has been involved in facilitating dialogue between Hungary and Ukraine, and she attests to Ukraine fulfilling all required demands[1].
- The EU might initiate the first round of negotiations with Moldova for EU membership separately from Ukraine, a potential decoupling hinted at by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, Kos suggests that Moldova's accession could start as early as June, possibly distinguishing it from Ukraine's ongoing negotiations.
- Coinciding with these developments, Moldova's compliance with legislation and general-news reports suggest a smooth start to negotiations, in stark contrast to Ukraine's contentious politics with Hungary.
- Technology seems to play a role in this matter, as Hungary's objections to Ukraine's membership might divert the EU's focus towards addressing these issues, thereby helping advance Moldova's policy talks.
- Despite Ukraine's swift progress and compliance with all demands, the unyielding politics surrounding Hungary's objections in general-news continue to present a challenge in Ukraine's EU membership process.
