Luxembourg Meeting // Deputy PM for European integration says today’s decision gives Moldovan citizens one more reason to trust European choice

“Today’s decision gives citizens one more reason to trust this path; the European choice is turning into concrete progress. We leave Luxembourg with gratitude and determination to take the next steps on our journey toward the EU,” said Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov after the fourth Moldova–European Union Intergovernmental Conference.

The official emphasized that, following the opening of two new negotiating clusters, Moldova was currently negotiating 24 of the 33 chapters of accession to the European Union. She described this result as a major achievement, showing that the authorities’ determination to implement reforms, supported by the EU’s political commitment, was enabling progress in the European integration process.

“The opening of these clusters gives new impetus to the work ahead. Our immediate goal is to open the other two remaining clusters, while continuing to make progress in meeting the interim benchmarks. The most difficult part of the work is still ahead of us and we are prepared to bring it to completion. Laws must be supported by institutions capable of applying them consistently, the business environment needs predictability and citizens want to see results,” Cristina Gherasimov said.

The deputy PM thanked the Irish Presidency of the EU Council, Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, as well as the experts, business representatives and civil society partners who had contributed to preparing the reforms.

According to Cristina Gherasimov, the 17 chapters opened within the new clusters concern areas that directly affect citizens’ daily lives, including products’ safety, workplace rights, the quality of education and the security of digital services.

“For the citizens of Moldova, these reforms mean better consumers’ protection, safer jobs and more opportunities to develop their skills. For entrepreneurs, they mean simpler procedures and predictable rules. A growing business has the capacity to employ more people, invest in skills’ development and offer better salaries. Together, these changes can give people more reasons to stay at home or return and invest in Moldova,” the official noted.

She emphasized that the benefits of European integration must reach all communities across the country, not just the capital. Business development, attracting investments and creating better-paid jobs can give people more reasons to remain in Moldova or return home.

At the same time, the deputy prime minister highlighted the contribution that Moldova can make to the European Union through its talented people, entrepreneurial spirit, digital sector and experience gained in strengthening resilience.

“The success of integration can and will be measured by the opportunities it creates beyond the capital. As we prepare for accession, we are also strengthening the contribution that Moldova makes to the European Union. We have talented people, an entrepreneurial spirit and a dynamic digital sector. Our companies can contribute to European production networks, while researchers and young professionals can bring fresh ideas to joint projects in technology, energy and agriculture. We also bring the experience we have gained in strengthening resilience under conditions of constant pressure, as well as a commitment to European cooperation. Deeper integration will allow us to harness these assets together for the benefit of both sides,” Cristina Gherasimov said.

Cristina Gherasimov noted that the next stage would require sustained efforts, with reforms accompanied by institutions capable of applying legislation consistently and a predictable business environment. An immediate priority for the authorities is to open the other two negotiating clusters by the end of this year.

“The European path also means peace and security. Russia’s war against Ukraine has further demonstrated how important it is to anchor our future in the EU. A resilient Moldova, with strong democratic institutions and closer European ties, contributes to the stability of our entire region. Our objective is to be ready for accession by 2030. We want this ambition to become a common objective and to clearly understand what must be achieved by both sides. We will continue to advance reforms with great determination, relying on our European partners to assess our progress on the basis of merit and to take decisions at the appropriate time,” the deputy PM said.

During the fourth Moldova–EU Intergovernmental Conference, held in Luxembourg, negotiating clusters 2 – “Internal Market” and 3 – “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth” were opened. Following this decision, Moldova is negotiating 24 of the 33 accession chapters.