The EU is considering granting Moldova a big step forward in its bid to join the 27-member bloc ahead of parliamentary elections there in late September ― putting it ahead of Ukraine for the first time.

Axar.az informs, citing Politico, under the scenario being studied by EU officials, European countries would vote to open a first “negotiating cluster” for Moldova — a key legal step on the path to membership — early next month after a meeting of EU ministers, according to three diplomats and an EU official.

Such a move would grant a powerful electoral boost to President Maia Sandu, whose party is campaigning on a pro-EU platform and faces determined efforts from Russia to sway the vote in Moscow’s favor.

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