EU Roadmaps Show Moldova Ahead of Ukraine in Accession Talks

The European Union has published roadmaps indicating that Moldova is moving faster through the accession process than Ukraine. The new documents, released on 4 November, outline specific timelines for closing negotiation chapters, showing a clear divergence in progress between the two countries.

For ordinary citizens in both nations, these schedules signal different speeds for future integration. While the introductory text of the roadmaps for Ukraine and Moldova is nearly identical, the specific targets differ sharply. The European Commission has prepared a positive statement on the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report for Moldova. This document is expected to be sent to member states for approval soon.

The timeline for Moldova is aggressive. The roadmap envisions closing nine chapters in the first half of 2027. Another 16 chapters are scheduled to be closed by the end of the year. This totals 25 chapters in a single year. In contrast, the plan for Ukraine targets the start of closing chapters only at the end of the first quarter. Analysts note that even this modest target appears ambitious given Ukraine's current low progress in implementing the benchmarks.

European Pravda notes that the specifics allow for the assertion that the European Union has recognized Moldova has overtaken Ukraine in the European integration process. The Commission maintains an internal ranking of the four leaders in this effort. In that ranking, Ukraine sits in fourth place, behind Moldova. The report characterizes Moldova as well advanced in meeting the interim criteria.

The European Commission published its annual enlargement package on 4 November. This package assesses the progress of 10 candidate countries. Ukraine is included among the four countries that have made the greatest progress. However, the Ukraine report indicates that the improved assessment in areas such as anti-corruption was achieved despite the actions of the authorities, not because of them.

The roadmaps do not predict when the leading candidates will conclude their accession negotiations. The documents express hope that Ukraine will accelerate its pace of reforms. The EU has not set a final deadline for the end of the talks. The next step for Moldova is the member state approval of the positive benchmark assessment.

The divergence in speed highlights the different stages of preparation between the two countries. Moldova’s plan relies on a steady closure of chapters throughout 2027. Ukraine’s plan is more cautious, aiming to establish a baseline before closing any chapters. The documents serve as the operational guide for the negotiations in the coming year.