Popsoi Allows Moldova’s Accelerated EU Accession Without Full Rights at the First Stage

According to Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi, Moldova is open to “creative ideas” that could shorten the European path amid growing frustration with the slow pace of EU enlargement. “We are open to creative ideas. The ultimate goal is to become a full member with equal rights with all other participants,” Popsoi said in an interview with Euroactiv, according to ziua.md. Against the backdrop of delays in accession, the authorities in Chisinau are considering interim solutions, including a possible trial period without veto rights, if this would accelerate European integration. This idea has been discussed in Brussels for several years, but has become particularly relevant in the context of Ukraine’s integration and the geopolitical pressure caused by the war with Russia. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos opposed this approach, warning of the risk of creating “second-class citizens” within the union. Nevertheless, increasingly more analysts and European officials believe that the current model of enlargement no longer corresponds to political and strategic realities. Moldova’s accession process is largely blocked for political reasons. EU countries decided to promote Chisinau in tandem with Kyiv, which led to stagnation, as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vetoed the Ukrainian dossier. Mihai Popsoi emphasized that achieving concrete results before the 2028 presidential elections is crucial for maintaining public support for the European course. “Any delay and any loss of time increases the risk of not achieving the goal. This will lead to enormous disappointment and anxiety and will give propaganda arguments to the Kremlin,” the minister warned.