The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and its National Platforms in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine welcome the completion of Moldova’s and Ukraine’s bilateral screening with the European Commission — an important milestone on their EU accession path.
Achieving this important milestone amidst Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as Russia’s continuous interference, hybrid attacks, and election meddling in Moldova, is a remarkable demonstration of both countries’ resilience and determination. These screenings were completed in record time, reflecting both countries’ commitment, professionalism, and determination to advance reforms, and move closer to joining the European Union family.
The Eastern Partnership Index 2025, a biennial flagship publication of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, reaffirms this progress, tracing steady reform advancement in both countries. The Index shows tangible improvements across key democratic, governance indicators as well as economic and policy convergence with the EU. While challenges remain, both are clearly moving in the right direction toward stronger democratic institutions and more transparent governance.
Despite the clear progress of both countries, the opening of the first cluster remains delayed. While the European Commission has confirmed their readiness, the process is currently blocked by Hungary’s veto, which appears to reflect political considerations rather than the countries’ demonstrated reform achievements.
We are concerned by this development and call on the EU and its Member States to develop mechanisms to circumvent “Orban’s veto”, not to lose the momentum and open the first cluster by the end of 2025.
The opening of the first cluster is a pivotal step, carrying profound significance not only for Moldova and Ukraine, but also for the European Union and the entire Eastern Partnership region. This decision represents more than a procedural milestone—it is a signal of the EU and its member states’ vision, values, and strategic influence in the region.
There are several key reasons why opening the first cluster is critically important:
- Taking this step would signal that the EU recognizes and rewards concrete achievements, reinforcing the credibility and integrity of the enlargement process while asserting its role as a normative power, capable of shaping a stable, democratic Eastern Partnership.
- Delaying or withholding action risks sending a message that the enlargement process is subject to political calculation rather than objective assessment. This could undermine trust among partner countries, weaken the EU’s standing in the region, and signal to citizens that reforms do not translate into real opportunities.
- Recognising Moldova’s and Ukraine’s progress would provide an unmistakable signal of support for ongoing democratic transformation in the region. Citizens in Armenia, Georgia, and other EaP countries are closely observing these developments; showing that reforms are rewarded incentivises sustained engagement with European standards and inspires civic engagement.
- Prolonged delays in the EU accession process for Moldova and Ukraine risk fuelling public frustration and disillusionment. Citizens who have consistently supported European integration may begin to question the EU’s commitment, weakening pro-European sentiment and reform momentum.
- Opening the first cluster would serve as a tangible incentive for Moldova and Ukraine to further align with EU norms in critical areas such rule of law, independence of the judiciary, public administration, etc. When progress is visibly linked to concrete outcomes, it strengthens momentum for transformative, sustainable change.
- Across Moldova and Ukraine, civil society and the wider public have consistently demonstrated their commitment to European integration. Further official recognition of their achievements would validate these efforts, continuing to empower citizens as key drivers of reform and reinforcing the EU’s role as a partner that listens and responds.
- Progress in Moldova and Ukraine contributes directly to the resilience of the Eastern Partnership region. By supporting democratic consolidation, rule-of-law reforms, and integration into European structures, the EU enhances not only economic and political stability but also broader security across its eastern neighbourhood.
As we call for the opening of the first cluster for Moldova and Ukraine, we affirm that Georgia’s future is European. We call on the EU and its Member States to keep the door open for Georgian people, recognising their clear European aspirations. We urge the Georgian authorities to return to EU values and move away from the dangerous path they are on.
