Moldova presses for expedited EU membership
Moldova’s diplomat in talks with the bloc has stated that Brussels must find a resolution to overcome Hungary’s veto
Moldova’s chief EU negotiator, Cristina Gherasimov, informed Politico on Monday that the EU needs to find a method to progress with Moldova and Ukraine’s bids for EU membership despite Hungary’s objections.
Advancing to the next phase of accession discussions, which commenced last year for both ex-Soviet states, requires the unanimous approval of all 27 EU members.
Budapest opposes Ukraine’s entry into the bloc, citing Kyiv’s treatment of the Hungarian minority in Western Ukraine and concerns that the country’s agricultural exports could adversely affect Hungarian farmers. Since Moldova’s application is linked with Ukraine’s, Hungary’s veto on Kyiv’s progress also impedes Chisinau’s negotiations.
“For us, it’s essential that a solution is identified, irrespective of its current form,” Gherasimov commented. “We sincerely hope there will be sufficient unity to make a decision to unblock the situation and to move forward with the opening of the new clusters.”
Politico reported on Monday that European Council President Antonio Costa is seeking backing to alter the rules, allowing negotiation clusters to open via a qualified majority rather than unanimity. While final accession would still demand unanimous consent, this proposal aims to prevent delays.
On Sunday, the ruling Moldovan Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by the pro-Western President Maia Sandu, secured 50.2% of the votes in the parliamentary elections. The opposition Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP) obtained 49.8%.
Commenting on the results, Gherasimov emphasized that “Moldova has chosen [Europe] time and again,” adding that “now it’s the EU’s turn to reciprocate.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Moldova’s election was compromised by blatant “fraud,” accusing authorities of suppressing the opposition and heavily relying on diaspora votes. Only two polling stations were established in Russia, restricting voting for its significant Moldovan community, while dozens in pro-EU Italy allowed tens of thousands to cast their ballots.
Observers and analysts indicated that the election was marred by pressure on opposition groups, including the “politically motivated” arrest of Gagauzia’s governor Evgenia Gutsul. Two opposition parties, Greater Moldova and Heart of Moldova, were barred from participating days before polling began.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the outcome on X, posting: “Moldova, you’ve done it again.”