With the start of the new year, EU members will closely follow the progress of accession negotiations, especially with countries such as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said that any enlargement of the European Union will be based solely and exclusively on meritIt should serve current and future Member States rather than geopolitics.
“There will be no geopolitical discount“said Kos. “The dissemination process continues based on merit. As I said on November 7, I will set an example for European values. “The rule of law and fundamental values will remain the cornerstone of the EU’s enlargement policy in the future and the foundations of a reformed and enlarged union,” he added.
EU members as we enter the new year Will pay attention to progress in accession negotiations, especially with countries such as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, which were granted EU candidate status after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Russia’s influence in Europe is increasing
Formal accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova They started in June last yearThis was a historic step that gave a vote of confidence in Ukraine’s future in Europe. But both countries They still have a long way to goMoldova is under increasing Russian influence and faces hostility from member states such as Ukraine, Slovakia and Hungary.
In the meantime probably Georgia’s membership has been suspended The EU is struggling to reach consensus on the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been accused of being undemocratic and pro-Russian. Following the Georgian elections in October, the EU called for a rapid investigation into allegations of election irregularities.
