Luxembourg Meeting // EU Commissioner for Enlargement says reforms can bring Moldova more European funds, investments

The reforms related to the negotiation clusters opened today will contribute to strengthening Moldova’s economy, attracting investments and creating jobs. At the same time, continuing the reforms can ensure access to more European funds. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has made statements to this effect after the fourth Moldova–European Union Intergovernmental Conference, held in Luxembourg.

The official emphasized that the reforms would bring concrete benefits to citizens and the business community, from improving education and strengthening consumers’ and employees’ rights to facilitating business development and the hiring of staff.

“The reforms in these clusters will help Moldova build a stronger economy, attract investments and create jobs. It will become easier for entrepreneurs in Moldova to employ more people, and this will mean better education, better rights for consumers and workers and reforms that will make life better and help Moldova build a better future at home,” Marta Kos said.

The European Commissioner encouraged the Moldovan authorities to maintain the pace of reforms and said that the other two negotiation clusters were technically ready to be opened.

“We are not stopping here. The two remaining clusters are technically ready, and we need to start opening them. I encourage Moldova to keep up with the reforms that have brought us so far. This determination and hard work are being rewarded,” the European official said.

Marta Kos noted that the reforms could also help attract additional European funds, recalling the financial support provided to Moldova. According to the European official, continuing the transformations will allow the country to take advantage of new financing opportunities.

Kos also referred to the broader process of European Union enlargement, emphasizing that European institutions were examining the measures needed to ensure that the Union is prepared to welcome new members.

“We will continue to support Moldova on its path to accession and I strongly hope that Moldova will show the same determination going forward,” Marta Kos said.

The European Commissioner said that she would visit Chișinău on November 9 and 10, adding that she is looking forward to the trip.

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

The opening of two new negotiation clusters with the European Union represents important progress for Moldova, while continuing the reforms will contribute to economic development, attracting investments and improving citizens’ lives. The statements were made in Luxembourg by Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne, who reaffirmed European support for Moldova’s accession path.

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