DUTCH EXPERT CAUTIONS ABOUT TRIO'S EU MEMBERSHIP PERSPECTIVES

Even if the Associated Trio's applications for EU membership are processed at an accelerated pace, it will take time, believes Dr. Tony van der Togt, Senior Researcher from the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael.

On Tuesday, the expert participated in Chisinau in the debate called "Putin's War in Ukraine: Consequences for Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and the EU's Reaction", and said that the three countries of the Associated Trio are pushing for a "fast track" for their applications.

"But even if the process is accelerated, it will still take time. If we look at what needs to be done to make them comply with the Copenhagen Criteria, the EU system of legal norms (acquis communautaire), it will take 10-20 years," he said.

The expert believes that one of the options may be the accession of the associated partners to the European economic area.

"It is necessary to reach the level of Norway or Iceland. Sectoral integration is possible," said the expert, who believes that the European Union has yet to develop a new modus operandi in relation to the countries of the Eastern Partnership.

He recommends that the EU take into account the attitude of countries towards Russia.

"We understand that Moldova and Georgia cannot fully support EU sanctions against Russia. And this must be taken into account," he said.