Debate on separating Moldova’s and Ukraine’s EU integration paths amid geopolitical pressures and differing member views.
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Kyiv seeks to open negotiation clusters with the EU ahead of September elections, while Brussels increasingly suggests separating the accession processes for Moldova and Ukraine. For Kyiv, this appears as a betrayal by Europe’s eastern flank. The article examines why Brussels might consider splitting the two countries and whether Ukraine risks being left out of European integration. Initially applying for EU membership together in 2022, their paths diverged; while Georgia faced setbacks due to rule of law issues, Ukraine and Moldova advanced together, with official negotiations opening in December 2023. Recently, ideas have surfaced about separating the processes—allowing Moldova to proceed without waiting for Ukraine, which is facing blockages from Hungary. Proponents suggest this could signal EU commitment to enlargement or allow technically easier cases to move faster. However, Ukraine fears such a split would be perceived as a betrayal of shared efforts against Russian aggression and might undermine its strategic importance within the EU framework. Experts caution that separating the paths risks undermining EU solidarity and leaving Moldova vulnerable to Russian influence without Ukrainian support. While some see separation as pragmatic for Moldova’s immediate needs, others argue that joint progress is necessary to send a strong political signal and ensure Ukraine remains central to European security guarantees.
