MEP: A Faster Start to Talks Doesn’t Mean Moldova Will Join the EU Before Ukraine

Lithuanian MEP Dainius Žalimas believes the news that the EU might separate Moldova and Ukraine on their path to accession due to Hungary’s veto should not be overestimated. He said this in an interview with European Pravda. Žalimas specifically recalled Lithuania’s experience, as it was the last Baltic country invited by the EU to start accession talks, yet all three Baltic states joined simultaneously, writes eurointegration.com.ua. “So if you ask me about Moldova, then the fact that Moldova has started negotiations earlier than you does not mean that Moldova will become an EU member before Ukraine,” he said. “This news should not be overestimated. The official start of negotiations does not mean much,” the MEP noted. He also reminded that the EU began negotiations with Turkey long ago — but that country has no real prospect of joining the Union. “So the official start of talks should not be overestimated. Yes, it is an important step that shows progress. But negotiations can begin a year later while still preserving the prospect of joining the EU without additional delays. That’s how it happened with Lithuania,” Žalimas stated.