Ministry of Agriculture conducts simulations for September's bilateral screening with European Commission

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry started the final simulation session yesterday in preparation for the bilateral screening with the European Commission, scheduled for September 2025, on Chapter 11 Agriculture and Rural Development and Chapter 12 Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy.

The exercise is guided by Rodica Crudu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Government for European Integration, with the support of the European Integration Office and the Legislation Harmonization Center, and is dedicated to strengthening the ministry team's preparation to coherently and documentably reflect the legislative and institutional framework of the Republic of Moldova and to ensure an efficient exchange of opinions with European experts.

The session was attended by Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, and Pavel Telička, former chief negotiator for the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union.

Gherasimov emphasized the importance of this stage in the accession process, highlighting that the bilateral screening will provide the framework for a common assessment of progress in relation to the EU acquis and for identifying areas that require adjustments. The results will be included in the European Commission's screening report, a document that will form the basis for developing national negotiation positions.

Pavel Telička encouraged Moldova's team to harness the process both to identify challenges and to outline feasible and sustainable solutions aimed at supporting the transition to European standards. Rapid compliance in areas with major impact can bring substantial economic and commercial benefits, while requesting transition periods should be justified with solid arguments. 

In September, the ministry team will present in Brussels the current situation and commitments and based on the Commission's report, the negotiation stage will be initiated for the 3 chapters coordinated by the ministry, including the presentation of any justified transitional period proposals.