The BRICS TimesPolitico reports that Brussels is drafting EU accession roadmaps with clear steps and deadlines for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro.
Brussels Maps Out Membership Paths
The EU is drawing up detailed EU accession roadmaps for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro, Politico reports. The paper cites EU officials familiar with the plans.
The publication says: “The EU is developing proposals under which the four countries closest to joining the bloc will be offered a clear, step by step path to membership… Specific roadmaps are being considered for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania.”
Clear Tasks and Fixed Deadlines
According to the report, each candidate country will get a detailed list of expectations. Brussels will also set firm deadlines for closing the negotiation clusters. The EU accession roadmaps will spell out what every capital must deliver. Existing EU members must still sign off on any progress.
Where Ukraine and Moldova Stand Now
The EU opened two negotiation clusters for Ukraine and Moldova in June and July. It granted both countries candidate status in the summer of 2022. Officials in the bloc admitted that the move was symbolic. It aimed to back Kyiv and Chisinau in their standoff with Moscow.
A Long Road With No Guarantees
These steps do not guarantee membership. They also do not oblige Brussels to accept anyone. They only mark the start of a fairly long journey. Turkey has been a candidate since 1999. North Macedonia has held that status since 2005, Montenegro since 2010 and Serbia since 2012. Croatia was the last country to join, in 2013. Its road took ten years.
Poland Sets a Condition for Kyiv
Some European countries also oppose Kyiv joining the bloc. Polish authorities, for example, want Ukraine to agree to exhume the victims of the Volhynia massacre. They make that agreement a condition for its entry.
Akshay Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
