The European Commission believes that Ukraine and Moldova are ready for EU accession talks. Both countries have implemented necessary reforms, such as tackling corruption and improving minority rights.
The decision now rests with the EU member states, who must unanimously agree to start the negotiations.
During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron called to begin the accession talks this month.
Ukraine submitted its application for EU membership in February 2022, shortly after the start of the Russian war against that country. Moldova followed in March 2022. Both countries were granted candidate status a year later, a remarkably fast decision by EU standards, partly driven by Moscow’s aggression.
Last Friday, the European Commission also gave a positive opinion on Montenegro’s candidacy. Brussels recommends EU governments hold an intergovernmental conference with Podgorica to approve the next stage of accession. Montenegro received its candidate status fifteen years ago.
Moreover, it is far from certain that Ukraine could become an EU member within one or two years, or that the country might first need to implement further reforms, which could take many years. It is also not yet clear if a phased integration model will be used, as decided twenty years ago when ten former Eastern Bloc countries joined.
What is already clear, however, is that the EU will have to significantly overhaul the current Common Agricultural Policy if agricultural power Ukraine is allowed to join the common market. This is expected to require a complete revision of the EU agricultural subsidy system.
With increased geopolitical pressure and internal divisions within the EU, the European summit at the end of this month will be an important litmus test for European unity and its ability to respond to the changing security dynamics in Europe.