Europarl president believes Ukraine, Moldova complying with terms for starting EU accession talks

BRUSSELS. June 26 (Interfax) - The European Union should continue supporting Ukraine and Moldova, including in the process of their accession to the EU, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said.

"Ukraine and Moldova have already met the conditions to open the initial set of negotiations - the so-called 'fundamentals' cluster. The ball is now in our court. We need to maintain momentum," Metsola said in her remarks to the leaders of the EU countries at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.

It should be borne in mind that "a merit-based enlargement - with clear goals and criteria - is the smartest investment we can make in our continent's stability, prosperity, and peace," she said.

"This is not fast-tracked, it is deserved," Metsola said.

Asked at a press conference later in the day how talks with Ukraine could be accelerated while Hungary kept on blocking its accession process, Metsola said the European Parliament was of the view that Kiev was complying with its obligations, which required the EU to honor its obligations as long as it decided that Ukraine should become its member.

"It is now up to us, and we would ask also for flexibility in terms of how you deal with the steps that need to be taken [by a candidate country]. But if so-called fundamentals cluster can be agreed, then why not move?" she said.