The EC views the prospect of both Ukraine and Moldova joining the EU by 2030 as realistic.

Geopolitical changes have made a scenario in which Ukraine and Moldova joining the EU by January 1 2030 feasible, said EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

“The whole world is changing, Europe is changing, as is its neighborhood, and the security aspect is becoming increasingly important. The security imperative is growing rapidly, and we must find answers not only in the enlargement process but also in the entire neighborhood policy,” she noted.

Kos pointed out that geopolitical processes have accelerated the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU. In particular, Montenegro and Albania are poised to become EU members in the coming years.

“This perspective is also realistic for Moldova and Ukraine. When we discuss Ukraine’s accession to the EU, we see this enlargement as a political tool to provide security guarantees. Clearly, it is currently impossible for Ukraine and Moldova to join NATO, so their EU membership can truly serve as a powerful means of security guarantee,” emphasized the EC representative.