All posts tagged: Taras Kachka

EU forges ahead with membership for Ukraine and Moldova after Orbán’s exit – POLITICO

EU forges ahead with membership for Ukraine and Moldova after Orbán’s exit – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

The EU previously voiced concerns about anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, and some Ukrainian lawmakers have objected to changes being demanded by Brussels. Kachka said these objections were a normal part of the democratic process, but that rule-of-law reforms were under way. Despite the optimism, the process will still be challenging. Capitals have already pushed back on the idea new countries could be waved through for geopolitical reasons, amid concerns that future governments could backslide on democracy and the rule of law, creating another confrontation like they have seen from Hungary. However, a broader discussion about reforming the process or admitting new members without full rights has not yet gotten off the ground. “With the present Hungarian government it is possible to go on with the €90 billion loan, and with the new government, we will go on to with the accession process,” Kos said Wednesday. EU leaders pose for a group photograph in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, on April 23, 2026. | Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images Responding to reports France and Germany want to offer …

EU hands Ukraine and Moldova next steps toward membership despite Orbán block – POLITICO

EU hands Ukraine and Moldova next steps toward membership despite Orbán block – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Speaking after a working breakfast with Ukraine in Brussels, Marilena Raouna, the Europe minister of Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, said: “Enlargement is not a symbolic gesture, it is a strategic investment in Europe’s peace and stability,” and praised Ukraine’s “extraordinary commitment” to reforms despite Russia’s ongoing war. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, speaking at the same press conference, said the bloc must accelerate the accession process. “We must speed up,” Kos said, adding that “there cannot be a safe Europe without a safe, democratic and prosperous Ukraine as one of us.” Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka called the step “revolutionary,” saying Kyiv would press ahead with reforms despite the war. Speaking after a separate meeting with Moldova, Raouna said Chișinău was “advancing decisively” in its accession process, with reforms progressing at an “impressive pace.” “This is an important and pragmatic step,” said Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov, adding that accession remained “the only viable path” for the country’s future, and it hopes …