EU official to Moldova: Reform first, then apply to join

BUCHAREST, Romania – A senior European official is urging Moldova to implement reforms so it can formally request European Union membership.

The Moldovan, Georgian and Ukrainian parliament speakers wrote to the European Parliament Monday asking for a timeline on obtaining EU membership.

The three have signed association agreements with the EU, but it is unclear when and if they will join the bloc.

Moldova wants to ask for EU membership next year, but needs to reform its justice system and eradicate endemic corruption.

EU enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn was in Moldova's capital Chisinau Monday leading an energy efficiency conference attended by former Soviet republics.

Hahn said: "It is much more important to focus on the necessary reforms" than stabling a schedule for EU membership.