Key facts
- Zelensky argued Ukraine's efforts to protect Moldova from Russian interference in Transnistria justify keeping the bids linked.
- Moldova is reportedly adopting EU laws faster than any country since Hungary in 2002.
- EU leaders' conclusions stated that each candidate country advances based on individual progress.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European Union leaders on Oct. 15 to maintain the linked membership processes for Ukraine and Moldova. Zelensky argued that Ukraine's security efforts to protect Moldova from Russian interference in Transnistria warrant keeping the accession paths tied together, potentially delaying Moldova's entry for years as Kyiv works through reforms.
Ukraine and Moldova are considered frontrunner countries for EU membership, and their bids have been informally linked. This linkage was expected to end once both countries completed their reform agendas. Zelensky stated that splitting the countries would be "morally wrong" given Ukraine's support for Moldova.
However, senior EU officials suggest Moldova is progressing faster with its integration than Ukraine. EU leaders' recent conclusions on enlargement indicated a move toward individual country assessments, stating that "each candidate country advances in its accession negotiations on the basis of its individual progress."