The EU may separate the accession processes for Ukraine and Moldova due to Hungary’s actions.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that the EU may differentiate the pathways for Moldova and Ukraine’s integration as soon as June, when decisions regarding enlargement are made in Brussels. She noted that discussions are currently taking place among member states about future actions, as there is no opposition to starting accession negotiations with Moldova, but Hungary is obstructing the process for Ukraine.

“Ukraine has done enough; I can say this from my own experience, as it has facilitated dialogue between Hungary and Ukraine,” Kos remarked, highlighting Budapest’s politicization of Ukraine’s EU integration.

Previously, Moldova and Ukraine were advancing together in their efforts to join the EU, regarding themselves as a pair. However, Hungary’s obstruction of Ukraine’s accession negotiations hinges on claims related to enhancing the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Decisions on EU enlargement require unanimous agreement among member states.

The practice of splitting candidate countries is not unprecedented: In September 2024, the EU opted to commence accession negotiations with Albania, but not North Macedonia, which has ongoing disputes with Bulgaria regarding minority rights.