EU Commission scrambles to keep pace with Moldova's accession push

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Published: 2026-09-10T05:29:52.059Z • Permanent link

EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Policy Olivér Várhelyi has been dispatched to Moldova to rally support for the country's EU accession bid. The visit comes as the European Commission scrambles to keep pace with Moldova's fast reform drive, despite the accession staying politically coupled with Ukraine's stalled bid. Várhelyi's efforts aim to bolster support for Moldova's bid among EU member states, particularly Hungary, which has been a vocal critic of Ukraine's bid. According to sources, the EU Commission has redirected resources to strengthen Moldova's institutions, including the judiciary and anti-corruption bodies, in a bid to demonstrate the country's commitment to reform.

Moldova's accession bid has been on hold since 2019, when the EU Commission launched an in-depth evaluation of the country's preparedness for membership. The bid has been slowed by concerns over corruption, judicial independence, and the country's energy sector. However, the EU Commission has signaled that it remains committed to supporting Moldova's reform efforts, with Várhelyi stating that "the EU is ready to support Moldova's efforts to deepen its reforms and address the concerns that have been raised.

EU officials have also expressed concern over the potential implications of a stalled EU accession bid for Ukraine, which has been seeking to join the EU since 2022. Ukraine's bid has been slowed by Russia's ongoing invasion, which has led to a significant decline in the country's economic and social well-being. EU officials have warned that a stalled EU accession bid for Ukraine could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region, including Moldova and other EU candidate countries.

The EU Commission's efforts to support Moldova's accession bid have significant implications for companies operating in the region. Companies such as Gazprom, which has a significant presence in Moldova's energy sector, may be affected by the country's accession bid. EU officials have warned that a successful accession bid could lead to increased competition for Gazprom, which could have significant implications for the company's bottom line.

Research communities and policymakers in the EU will also be watching Moldova's accession bid closely, as it has the potential to shape the EU's overall approach to enlargement. The EU's enlargement process has been criticized in the past for its slow pace and lack of transparency, and Moldova's accession bid has raised concerns over the EU's ability to deliver on its promises. EU officials have signaled that they will be closely monitoring Moldova's reform efforts and are prepared to take swift action if the country fails to meet its commitments.

Moldova's accession bid is part of a larger pattern of EU enlargement efforts, which have been ongoing since the 1990s. The EU has been expanding its borders through a series of enlargement rounds, which have seen countries such as Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic join the bloc. However, the EU's enlargement process has also been criticized for its slow pace and lack of transparency, with some arguing that it prioritizes the interests of existing member states over those of candidate countries.