European Parliament President calls for speeding up accession of Moldova, Ukraine to EU

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has called on the European Union member states to accelerate the process of accession of Moldova and Ukraine to EU, emphasizing that the two countries were rapidly advancing in implementing the required reforms. The EU official on May 21 made statements to this effect at  GLOBSEC security forum held in Prague, EFE reports, cited by MOLDPRES.

Roberta Metsola said that the European Union must adapt to the pace at which Ukraine is implementing the legislative and technical reforms necessary for accession, despite the war triggered by the Russian invasion. The European official said it would be a mistake to delay the accession process, while Kyiv is “fighting for our security.”

The European Parliament president also warned that postponing the opening of the European Union’s doors to Moldova and Ukraine could favor the interests of other states that are trying to hinder the European integration of the two countries.

“If we do not do this, it is in the interest of other countries to do exactly the opposite and this cannot be allowed in times of war,” Metsola said.

The European official underlined that security and defense are major priorities for the European Union and described EU enlargement as “the best security guarantee” that can be offered to candidate states.

The statements came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed, in a letter addressed to the leadership of the European Union, the creation of an “associate member” status for Ukraine.

At the same forum, President Maia Sandu said that the country was ready to start negotiations on all chapters of accession to the European Union.

Maia Sandu also accused Russia of interfering with electoral processes in Moldova, by illegally financing parties and certain corrupt oligarchs. The head of state said that European integration is “strategic for the survival of Moldova as a democracy.”