New Challenges for Ukraine and Moldova's EU Integration
The most supportive EU member states for Ukraine will not block the initiation of negotiations for Moldova's EU membership, even if Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to obstruct the process for Kyiv.
Source: "European Truth"
As reported by EU, despite hopes in Kyiv that Ukraine's "friends" in the EU could prevent the separation of the euro-integration "package" for Ukraine and Moldova, sources in Brussels and other capitals recognize that this will not happen.
Even the states most favorable to Ukraine, such as the Baltic countries, are prepared to side with Moldova.
"We are in a difficult situation. Yes, we support Ukraine in negotiations and understand that Ukraine would prefer to maintain the existing package. However, we are also supporters of Moldova and are assisting them... We will not veto the start of negotiations with Moldova," explained an official from one of the Baltic states, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The key reason why Moldova is receiving the green light for negotiations, with or without Ukraine, stems from the EU's efforts to assist Maia Sandu ahead of the parliamentary elections on September 28, the outcome of which will be crucial for the country's direction and strategically significant for Ukraine as well.
Meanwhile, interlocutors from Ukraine-friendly nations emphasize that they are preparing for significant pressure on Hungary in an attempt to persuade Orban to lift the veto against Ukraine before the EU summit scheduled for June 26-27.
