The European Commission supports Ukraine and Moldova on their path to EU membership and hopes to soon open the first "Fundamentals" cluster in negotiations with both countries. At the same time, any proposals to separate them in this process are the prerogative of the member states.
This was stated by European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier at a briefing in Brussels.
"When it comes to separating Ukraine and Moldova on the path to EU membership, this really depends entirely on the member states, on the processes within the EU Council. On our side, we are fully committed to providing the necessary technical, financial, and political support to both Moldova and Ukraine so they can continue their reforms," the spokesperson said.
He noted that, in the Commission’s assessment, both Ukraine and Moldova have made significant progress in the required reforms and are clearly adhering to their commitments, advancing "at a very rapid pace" in the screening of national legislation. Technical work continues. But the final decision on further advancement will be made by the member states, Mercier stated.
"The European Commission also remains fully engaged in preparing the first cluster (‘Fundamentals’). We are convinced that this first cluster can be opened as soon as all the criteria are met. But when it comes to the final decision on opening this cluster, it lies in the hands of the member states," Mercier said.
According to him, the EU remains in constant contact with Ukrainian counterparts.
"But it's up to the member states if they want to ‘separate’ Ukraine and Moldova. We are not pushing for this proactively. So, if the member states want to do so, they can discuss and agree on it. For our part, we will continue to provide support to both countries," the European Commission spokesperson added.
