Luxembourg Meeting // Irish Minister for European Affairs says Ireland to continue to support Moldova in EU accession process

Moldova has made remarkable progress in its process of accession to the European Union, despite hybrid threats, and Ireland will continue to support the Moldovan authorities in implementing reforms and advancing negotiations. Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne has made statements to this effect following the fourth Moldova–European Union Intergovernmental Conference, held in Luxembourg.

The Irish official praised the progress made by the Moldovan government over the past year, including in the areas related to negotiation clusters 2 and 3, which were opened at today’s meeting.

“Over the past year, the government of Moldova has made firm progress and delivered reforms across all chapters, including clusters 2 and 3. Moldova’s dedication and commitment, as well as its alignment with EU standards are commendable,” Thomas Byrne said.

The minister said that, in its 2025 report, the European Commission had noted  Moldova’s remarkable progress despite hybrid threats, expressing confidence that the next report would confirm the country’s positive development.

“I want to tell my friends in Moldova, as well as the prime minister that we will continue to work together and facilitate these processes until the end of this year,” the official said.

Thomas Byrne stressed that Moldova must continue implementing reforms, while the Council of the European Union would continue working towards opening negotiation clusters 4 and 5.

“Moldova has a friend in us and, without a doubt, we are allies,” the Irish minister concluded.

During the fourth Moldova–EU Intergovernmental Conference, held in Luxembourg, negotiation clusters 2 – “Internal Market” and 3 – “Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth” were opened, marking a new stage in the country’s European path.

The opening of two new negotiation clusters with the European Union represents important progress for Moldova, while the continuation of 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.