Media: Ukraine and other countries face challenges in EU accession

Ukraine, Albania, Moldova, Serbia, and Montenegro are facing political and economic challenges in negotiations to join the European Union, Politico reports, citing unnamed sources.

“We don’t want another Hungary or Slovakia,” said one of the diplomats, who is close to the discussions on allowing new members into the bloc. “We don’t know what will happen in these new countries in 10, 15 years. And then we could be stuck with another [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orbán.”

Some member states are reportedly sceptical of the “about the strength and longevity of their commitment” of these candidate countries to fundamental EU values, such as press freedom, judicial independence, and other democratic rights.

Economic disparities remain another challenge. All 13 countries that joined the EU since 2004 still receive more from the EU budget than they contribute. A similar situation is expected for the five candidate countries. Another official noted that countries like Iceland or Norway would have an easier accession process, as they have already met roughly 80% of EU requirements.

Earlier reports indicate that new EU members by 2030 could include Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Montenegro. According to EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, the European Commission supports Montenegro’s aim to complete accession talks by 2026, Albania by 2027, and Ukraine and Moldova by 2028, although practical negotiations with Kyiv and Chisinau have yet to start.