Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were among the first republics of the former Soviet space to join the European Union, pursuing independence from Moscow and seeking ties with the West. They achieved their goals by entering NATO in 1999 and joining the EU in the early years of the 21st century. As independent states, the Baltic trio faced significant challenges in economic and social areas in the 1990s, yet they gradually recovered from the recession, modernized their economies, and aligned with Western political and economic norms.
In 2022, three more former Soviet countries took a decisive step toward following that path. Ukraine and Moldova were recognized as official EU candidate countries, while Georgia is viewed as a potential candidate. Brussels urged reforms with particular focus on Tbilisi, which had not yet achieved official candidate status in areas such as judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, and transparency, while expressing confidence that negotiations could progress toward a conclusion by 2030.
This trend is mirrored in income growth across the former Eastern Bloc since 1990. The expansion in economies joining the EU has been remarkable: growth reached over 245% in Lithuania, about 215% in Latvia, and around 185% in Poland since the early days of EU integration.
This observation echoes shared discussions on the region’s economic trajectory and the broader implications of accession pathways within Europe. Analysts highlight how integration with the EU has correlated with improved living standards and stronger institutional development, even as political and security dynamics shift across Eastern Europe.
Ukraine had signaled European aspirations as early as 2013, when leadership in Kyiv considered a Free Trade Agreement with Brussels. That moment sparked a wave of protests and social unrest in various parts of the country. A sequence of conflicts, including clashes related to eastern regions and the involvement of factions with varying alignments, culminated in Russia’s broader intervention. The ensuing crisis underscored the complexities of reform and sovereignty as Ukraine pursued closer ties with Western structures.
The priority for Ukraine remained regaining territorial control recognized by the international community and maintaining long-term peace within its borders. The presence of foreign forces on some territories complicated reform efforts, though the government moved to pursue administrative and anti-corruption measures early in the conflict, including steps intended to reduce the influence of oligarchs over politics and finance. These steps were framed by leaders as essential for a more resilient and transparent state, capable of withstanding external pressures and advancing European integration goals.
Georgia has also sought closer relations with both the European Union and NATO, drawing on experiences and leadership from past decades. A broad portion of the population showed support for aligning with Western institutions, with surveys indicating substantial public backing for pursuing formal nomination paths. In response, the EU outlined a multi-step reform plan to address issues such as political polarization, judicial independence, and anti-corruption efforts, aiming to strengthen Georgia’s capacity to meet future criteria for partnership and integration.
Without full state control over all territory
The last of the three countries discussed as candidates to join the EU is Moldova, which leans pro-European and collaborates closely with center-right leaders. Moldova faces the challenge of handling regions with varying degrees of autonomy and the presence of breakaway authorities. Public sentiment in Moldova has shown broad support for EU membership, with many citizens already holding or seeking European citizenship through neighboring countries and related pathways. Analysts note that public appetite for European integration remains high, even as practical obstacles persist.
One major obstacle across these states is the lack of complete control over internationally recognized territory. In regions with de facto or contested status, such as separatist or disputed zones, political and legal processes necessary for EU membership are more complex. Independent commentators argue that ongoing separatism can slow or complicate the path to a formal agreement, including the establishment of stable legal frameworks and human rights protections. Yet observers also point out that past experiences in similar international circumstances show that progress is possible with sustained reforms, international support, and active governance.
Despite these territorial and political hurdles, many see value in pursuing EU membership as a catalyst for reform, economic modernization, and stronger European links. The debates surrounding each country emphasize balancing sovereignty with regional stability, ensuring that reforms are credible and verifiable, and maintaining public trust through transparent governance and accountability.