Moldova used to belong to the Soviet Union and in 2014 signed an association agreement with the European Union. However, that agreement in no way offers the country a guarantee of future membership. Like Georgia, Moldova is still included in its sphere of influence by Russia. It is no coincidence that the two countries are applying for EU membership at a time when Russian troops are waging a war in Ukraine. President Volodimir Zelensky argued this week for the accelerated accession of his country to the Union.
Membership applications are likely to be discussed at the European summit in Paris next week. In any case, EU accession negotiations are a very long-term undertaking, which also involves major reforms in the applicant countries. In addition, at the end of the day, each of the existing Member States must agree to membership.
With its 2.6 million inhabitants, Moldova is one of the poorest countries in all of Europe. Emigration is huge, especially as a result of endemic unemployment. Almost a third of the population has left since the early 1990s.