EU Advances Moldova Accession Talks, Bypassing Hungarian Veto on Ukraine

Historic Step Towards EU Membership

The European Union has taken a significant step forward in its enlargement process, formally advancing accession talks for Moldova. Negotiations officially commenced on June 25, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the Eastern European nation. This development follows the European Council's decision on December 14, 2023, to open accession negotiations with both Moldova and Ukraine.

The decision was hailed as a 'landmark moment' and a 'clear signal of hope' for the people of Moldova, underscoring the EU's commitment to stability and security on the continent, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Navigating Hungary's Stance

The advancement of these talks required navigating potential obstacles, particularly from Hungary. While Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had initially threatened to block the start of negotiations for Ukraine, a mechanism known as 'constructive abstention' was employed. During the crucial vote on December 14, 2023, Orbán 'was momentarily absent from the room in a pre-agreed and constructive manner,' allowing the other 26 EU leaders to proceed with a unanimous decision to open talks for both Ukraine and Moldova. This approach was reportedly suggested by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Despite the complexities surrounding Ukraine's accession, Hungary has consistently expressed unconditional support for Moldova's EU membership. Hungarian officials have stated that Moldova's integration would benefit the bloc and that the accession processes of different countries should be assessed individually.

Moldova's Journey to Integration

Moldova's path to potential EU membership began on March 3, 2022, when it formally applied to join the bloc. Just a few months later, on June 23, 2022, the country was granted candidate status by the European Council. The European Commission further recommended opening accession negotiations on November 8, 2023, following an assessment of Moldova's progress on reforms.

The country has since completed the screening process on September 22, 2025, which involves evaluating and harmonizing its national legislation with the extensive body of EU law, known as the acquis. Moldova has set an ambitious target date of 2028 for full EU accession, with some assessments suggesting completion by 2027 is not unrealistic if reforms continue at pace.

Next Steps and Future Outlook

The formal opening of accession negotiations initiates a rigorous process of reforms and alignment with EU standards across various policy areas. While the path to full membership is often lengthy and demanding, this advancement represents a strong political signal of the EU's commitment to Moldova's European future. The ongoing reform efforts in areas such as judicial reform, anti-corruption, and de-oligarchisation remain crucial for Moldova's continued progress.