The prospect of further enlargement presents the EU with multiple institutional, policy, and financial dilemmas. The successful integration of Ukraine and other candidate countries will require pragmatism, reforms, and transitional arrangements.

The European Commission president’s remarks will be a guide for understanding how she might navigate upcoming turbulence.

Russia’s war of aggression has brought Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia closer to EU membership. To play an effective role in the democratization of these three countries, the EU needs a differentiated approach based on the political dynamics of each state.

Moldova lacks technical and administrative capacity required for EU accession. Brussels needs to do much more to put its European perspective on track.

The citizens of Gagauzia are preparing to elect their next governor. A victory of one of the many pro-Russian candidates could destabilize Moldova and derail its EU aspirations.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted the EU to break several taboos, including offering candidate status to Ukraine and Georgia. The enlargement process, which has stalled over the past decade, is likely to be hindered by the complex revisions required, including the question of voting rights.