- Taras Doroniuk, Development Director, Kyiv School of Economics
- Iulian Groza, Executive Director, Institute for European Policies and Reforms, Chișinău
- Dr. Oleksii Kolesnykov, Association for Community Self-Organization Assistance, Odesa
- Dr. Kinga Redlowska, Programme Manager, Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies, RUSI Europe, Brussels
Ukraine’s ambition is to become part of the EU as soon as possible. This is not only a political necessity, but it provides an inspiring vision of the future at a time of war. Moreover, it’s also a very hands-on commitment: laws are being drafted and policies changed. Institutions that act as safeguards of the rule of law are reformed in an intense race to close the European Commission’s list of requirements – and then to sit down for accession talks.
In Moldova, the attitude towards accelerating the accession timeline is less urgent. The limited capacity of public administration, caused by brain drain, and economic difficulties have stood in the way of reforms. Issues of societal resilience and Russian hybrid threats also need to be addressed. Yet for Moldova, just as for Ukraine, the struggle to join the EU is existential – and time available to stabilize the country on a European course is limited.
In western European capitals, the view prevails that the pace of the accession process should be steady and measured, with emphasis on the quality of reforms. At the same time, a lengthy and unsatisfying accession process experienced by Western Balkan countries should not be repeated.
This hybrid workshop brought together a group of experts from Germany, Ukraine and Moldova to discuss reforms in Moldova and Ukraine. What are the current challenges to the public administration capacity in both countries? Can civil society play a greater role in designing and monitoring reforms? What should the EU do to support Moldova and Ukraine?
Registration for this event is closed.