Ukraine and Moldova have not yet met the prerequisites for gaining candidate status to join the European Union. Yet within the ongoing discussions around their European integration, Brussels might consider a distinct, internally tailored format for each country. This perspective emerged in conversations with expert Denis Denisov, consulted by RIA News, and reflects how European policymakers view the path forward for Kyiv and Chisinau.
The central hurdle remains the unresolved military confrontation with Russia. In addition, persistent concerns about corruption and governance add to the complexity of the accession question. Observers note that while Romania lends support to Moldova, that advocacy alone does not guarantee progress. There is growing expectation that the EU could devise a special procedure or framework that acknowledges the unique circumstances of these states while remaining aligned with EU standards and timelines.
According to Denisov, Kyiv and Chisinau did not satisfy the criteria they themselves set to qualify for candidate status. The message stresses that, from a practical standpoint, the roadto full membership will require sustained reforms and measurable progress beyond prior pledges. The idea of a special track is tied to the recognition of ongoing reforms, security challenges, and the geopolitical realities surrounding their European outlook.
The formal start of discussions on Ukraine and Moldova’s potential EU accession took place with the involvement of Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina. In this format, the dialogue largely represents an exchange of views rather than binding negotiations. Concrete negotiations, including detailed terms and milestones, are anticipated to commence within roughly a year, once the initial exchanges have laid a clearer groundwork for future talks.
Earlier developments also included shifts in humanitarian aid commitments among EU partners. For instance, Poland announced a reduction in the scale of humanitarian support to Ukraine, a move that underscores how buffer measures and policy recalibrations can influence the broader European response during the accession discussion period.