Lithuania Backs June Start for Moldova and Ukraine EU Talks
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has called for the immediate opening of European Union membership negotiations for both Moldova and Ukraine, urging the bloc to finalize key decisions before the upcoming summer recess. During a telephone conversation with Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Monday, Nausėda emphasized that the two nations should progress through the accession process in tandem.
The Lithuanian leader stated that it is essential to open all six groups of negotiation chapters for both countries this June. This diplomatic push comes ahead of the General Affairs Council meeting, where Lithuania expects formal decisions to be made to facilitate intergovernmental conferences with Chisinau and Kyiv before the European institutions break for the summer.
Strategic Deadlines and Reform Milestones
The discussion highlighted the upcoming EU-Moldova summit scheduled for June 22, which Nausėda described as a pivotal moment to consolidate support for Moldova’s European trajectory. While praising Moldova’s commitment to reforms under difficult circumstances, the Lithuanian President stressed that progress in the rule of law, judicial strengthening, and anti-corruption efforts must remain a priority.
Nausėda reiterated Lithuania’s official position that both Moldova and Ukraine should achieve full EU membership no later than 2030. He noted that a “strong and professional public sector” is a non-negotiable prerequisite for successful integration and that the benefits of these reforms must be tangible for the Moldovan public to ensure long-term stability.
Lithuania’s Role in EU Enlargement
The push for rapid enlargement is a cornerstone of Lithuania’s current foreign policy. President Nausėda noted that EU expansion will be a primary focus when Lithuania takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.
By advocating for a unified approach to Moldova and Ukraine, Lithuania aims to maintain political momentum within the EU, warning member states that progress should not be taken for granted amidst shifting geopolitical pressures. The President emphasized that maintaining a united political front among current member states is vital for the enlargement process to remain on track.
Source: BNS
