EU-Ukraine and EU-Moldova accession talks should proceed simultaneously, according to Rinkevics
In a significant move towards regional stability, Ukraine and Moldova simultaneously began EU accession negotiations on June 25, 2024. This joint initiative was discussed in a telephone conversation between the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics on Friday.
Zelensky, in his conversation with Rinkevics, outlined the steps he believes are necessary for a stable peace and a guaranteed future for Ukraine and all European countries. He briefed the Latvian president on the ongoing negotiations with allies and the diplomatic situation.
Rinkevics, in support of the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, emphasized the need for both countries to strengthen their ability to protect their population and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks. He also confirmed Latvia's support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Latvia will financially support the new NATO initiative to purchase US-made air defense systems and ammunition for transfer to Ukraine, as part of its commitment to assist Ukraine in all possible ways. This initiative is a testament to Latvia's unwavering support for Ukraine's membership of the EU and NATO, a stance that Zelensky wholeheartedly endorsed.
The simultaneous start of accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova is viewed as advantageous for several reasons. It sends a strong political signal of the EU’s commitment to integrating both Eastern European countries, reinforcing the EU’s stance on regional stability amid Russian aggression. Simultaneous negotiations help to counter Russian narratives that claim no progress is being made towards EU integration.
Coordinating the process can provide mutual encouragement and motivation for reforms needed in both countries, which face similar challenges related to rule of law, justice reforms, and de-oligarchisation. It also streamlines EU resources and monitoring efforts for enlargement, as progress reports and reform assessments often cover both countries in parallel.
However, decoupling the timelines later, for example by advancing Moldova’s talks ahead of Ukraine’s, can potentially create political tensions between Kyiv and Chișinău.
Rinkevics, in his discussions with Zelensky, stated that Ukraine and Moldova started their path towards the EU together and should continue to move towards EU membership side by side. He believes that this coordinated approach can be achieved with the support of the US and the unity of Europe. Zelensky, in agreement, stated that Ukraine has done everything necessary for EU accession and that it would be fair to open the first chapters of accession negotiations at the same time as Moldova.
This joint initiative marks a significant step towards regional stability and EU integration for both Ukraine and Moldova. As the negotiations progress, it is hoped that both countries will continue to move towards EU membership side by side, strengthening the security of both candidate countries and the EU as a whole.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, during his conversation with Edgars Rinkevics, emphasized the need for Ukraine to strengthen its defense in light of potential Russian attacks, as part of his steps for a stable peace and guaranteed future for Ukraine and all European countries.
- In support of Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession negotiations, Latvia will financially back a new NATO initiative to procure US-made air defense systems and ammunition, a move aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
- As the EU accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova progress, it is crucial for these countries to maintain a coordinated approach, as outlined by President Rinkevics, to counter Russian narratives, streamline EU resources, and ensure mutual encouragement and motivation for necessary reforms.
