The European Commission will not provide recommendations for Ukraine’s accession to the EU in October: FT
On 31 October, the European Commission will present its assessment of the progress of the EU candidate countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey and several Balkan countries. This was reported by the Financial Times.
According to journalists, the European Commission regularly provides updates on negotiations with the applicant countries, but this time the expectations from the conclusions are not too high. The media note that the assessment of the candidates’ progress began after the referendum in Moldova on 20 October, which was accompanied by Russian interference, as well as the controversy over the election results in Georgia.
The European Commission, analysts say, is currently balancing between encouraging candidates to integrate into the EU and maintaining high standards in the areas of the rule of law and good governance.
According to sources familiar with the report, the European Commission will note some progress, particularly for Ukraine and Moldova, but will not make official recommendations on the start of accession for these countries.
‘Ironically, the countries that have made the strongest strides towards EU membership are the most vulnerable to the conflict – Moldova and Ukraine,’ the media source said.
The report also states that the European Commission will not recommend any specific actions regarding the situation in Georgia. Instead, Georgia is asked to ensure a ‘transparent and independent investigation’ into the election irregularities.
