Bucharest, Romania - The Romanian government reaffirmed its commitment to Moldova's accession to the European Union , promoting the start of formal technical negotiations. This strategy comes in a complex diplomatic context, marked by Hungary's veto of the opening of negotiations with Ukraine, which has led to the possibility of dissociating both candidacies to avoid a stalemate.
"The Romanian government reaffirmed its commitment to Moldova's accession to the European Union , promoting the launch of formal technical negotiations..."
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has been one of the strongest voices within the European Council in defense of the integration of both Eastern European countries. However, given Budapest's persistent refusal to give kyiv the green light, Romanian diplomacy believes it is crucial that Moldova's progress not be held back by a blockade stemming from bilateral disputes unrelated to Chisinau.
Romania's strategic role as a guarantor
For Romania, Moldova's integration into the EU is not just a matter of foreign policy , but a major strategic objective. The two countries share deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, and Bucharest has emerged as the main advocate for the Moldovan cause in Brussels. Romanian support takes the form of technical assistance, political backing, and economic cooperation to help Moldova meet the accession criteria.
Romania's position is based on the conviction that the EU's eastward enlargement is an investment in security and stability for the entire continent. Moldova's annexation would consolidate a more robust and pro-European eastern flank, especially relevant in the current geopolitical context resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This support seeks to definitively anchor Moldova in the European space of values and prosperity.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Romania's strategy is to push for the Council's approval of the negotiating framework with Moldova, thus allowing for the start of the so-called screening process , the process by which the European Commission and the candidate country analyze national legislation to align it with the EU acquis. This technical step does not require the same unanimity as the formal opening of negotiations, although the ultimate goal remains full integration.
Hungary's veto and the dilemma of dissociation
The main obstacle to enlargement is the position of the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Budapest has repeatedly blocked progress on Ukraine's candidacy, citing concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority in the Transcarpathia region. Critics in Brussels, however, interpret this action as a pressure tactic to extract concessions from the EU in other areas, such as the release of frozen funds.
Since the EU has traditionally treated the candidacies of Ukraine and Moldova as a package, a veto of one directly affects the other. The proposal to separate the two processes, promoted by Romania and other Member States, seeks to break this deadlock. However, this solution presents its own challenges:
- Advantage for Moldova: It would allow it to move forward on its own merits and at the pace of reforms, without being held hostage by an unrelated bilateral conflict.
- Risk for Ukraine: This could be perceived in Kiev as a rift in European unity and a weakening of joint support, although most countries insist that their support for Ukraine is unwavering.
- Political signal: It would demonstrate that EU enlargement policy cannot be indefinitely paralyzed by the particular interests of a single Member State.
The final decision will rest with the European Council, where the leaders of the 27 member states must reach a consensus. Dissociation is a complex option, but it is gaining ground as a pragmatic solution to keep the momentum of enlargement alive.
Moldova's path to the European Union
Since obtaining candidate status in June 2022, along with Ukraine, Moldova has made significant efforts to align its legislation and institutions with European standards. The pro-European government of President Maia Sandu has pushed forward an ambitious reform agenda, focused on combating corruption, reforming the judicial system, and strengthening the rule of law.
The European Commission has acknowledged this progress in its monitoring reports, highlighting Chisinau's commitment. However, the country still faces considerable challenges, such as energy dependence on Russia, economic pressure, and the unresolved issue of the breakaway region of Transnistria, which hosts Russian troops.
The start of technical negotiations would be a fundamental milestone for Moldova, as it would provide a clear roadmap and an additional incentive to deepen reforms. For the Moldovan population, which has shown overwhelming support for European integration, it would represent a tangible signal that their future lies in Europe.
The future of enlargement in an uncertain context
The discussion over the candidacies of Moldova and Ukraine highlights the EU's internal debates about its own future. Enlargement is seen by many as a geopolitical necessity, but it also raises questions about the bloc's absorption capacity and the need for internal institutional reforms, such as the possible elimination of the unanimity rule in foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Romania continues its diplomatic efforts to build a consensus that will allow Moldova to take the next step. The message from Bucharest is clear: merit and progress must be rewarded, and the credibility of the EU's enlargement policy is at stake. The outcome of these negotiations will define not only Moldova's future, but also the European Union's ability to project stability in its eastern neighborhood.
