Accession talks advance: Republic of Moldova opens second cluster with EU

The Republic of Moldova today launched, in Brussels, the accession negotiations with the European Union for Cluster 6 External relations, within the third Intergovernmental Conference Republic of Moldova – EU, held under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The new group of chapters is the second to be opened in the accession process, after Cluster 1 Fundamental values.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cluster 6 comprises Chapter 30 “External relations” and Chapter 31 “Foreign, security and defence policy”. Under Chapter 30, the ministry is responsible for international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, while for Chapter 31 it coordinates, together with the competent authorities, the preparation of the Republic of Moldova for assuming the obligations incumbent on a member state of the European Union.

The negotiations for Chapter 31 concern alignment with the European Union’s common foreign and security policy, the application of international restrictive measures, conflict prevention, combating hybrid threats, protection of classified information, cooperation with international organizations and participation in the European Union’s missions and operations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlines that the partnership with the European Union in the field of security is already producing concrete results. Through the European Peace Facility (EPF), the Republic of Moldova has received equipment for neutralizing munitions remaining from the Second World War, for providing drinking water to the localities affected by the pollution of the Dniester River in the spring of this year, as well as equipment intended for Moldovan personnel participating in international missions.

Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that maintaining the pace of reforms is essential for advancing the European integration process.


“Each reform implemented brings us closer to European standards and delivers concrete benefits for citizens: a safer and more stable country, a more competitive economy, strong international partnerships and more development opportunities. We will continue to work with the same sense of responsibility to advance the negotiations and bring the Republic of Moldova closer to its strategic objective – accession to the European Union,” said Mihai Popșoi.


The Republic of Moldova officially opened accession negotiations with the European Union in June 2024. The process is structured into six thematic clusters, which bring together the 35 negotiating chapters of the EU acquis. On 15 June 2026, negotiations were launched for Cluster 1 “Fundamental values”, and the opening of Cluster 6 “External relations” marks the continuation of the negotiation stages and the gradual alignment of national legislation and policies with European Union standards.