Ukraine and Moldova can pursue EU membership separately, says von der Leyen

Ukraine and Moldova will pursue their European Union integration paths independently, with their progress dictated by their individual efforts to meet the bloc's membership criteria. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced this development following the official launch of accession talks.

Von der Leyen informed journalists in Brussels that the speed at which each candidate nation advances toward EU membership hinges on its capacity to fulfill the established benchmarks. This approach allows for flexibility, acknowledging that each country's journey is unique and should not be unilaterally tied to another's pace.

The decision signifies a nuanced strategy by the EU to manage the accession process for multiple countries simultaneously. It underscores the EU's commitment to enlargement while maintaining its rigorous standards for new members. The focus remains on concrete reforms and adherence to democratic principles and economic stability within the candidate states.