Brexit Diminishes Chances of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova to Enter EU

Global intelligence firm Stratfor, considered by many in the surveillance community to be a kind of ‘shadow CIA,’ has predicted that the fallout from the Brexit referendum will likely be most painful for Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, as it has severely undermined their chances of joining the European Union.

According to the agency, a departure by the UK from the EU will put the bloc on the verge of a collapse, leading to deep economic and political implications for Brussels. Subsequently, the EU will be more focused on resolving inner issues, rather than on expanding its borders to the east.

The for-profit intelligence firm suggests that an environment of uncertainty will struck Chisinau, Kiev and Tbilisi, which have long attempted to attain EU membership.The political turmoil gripping Europe in the wake of Brexit has dimmed the chances of the three countries, despite EU lawmakers recommended granting visa-free travel to them.

“Now, the countries are preparing for a worst-case scenario in which visa liberalization, an important landmark in obtaining EU membership, is postponed even further, making accession as distant a promise as it ever was,” according to the Stratfor report.

The report also suggests that the EU will likely abandon its harsh stance on Russia, gradually easing and lifting sanctions.

The leaders of the three Eastern European nations have consistently avowed their commitment to a pro-European course, regardless of internal political hurdles. However, the populace is seen as being bitterly dissatisfied with recent developments, and is turning to politicians espousing a more Russia-friendly position.

The Brexit referendum took place on 23 June 2016. Some 51.9 percent of Britons voted for the UK leaving the EU.