Moldova advances toward EU at an “impressive” pace; European Commissioner for Enlargement: “We expect to open all negotiating clusters by the end of this year”

Moldova is advancing at an impressive pace on its path toward joining the European Union, and the Moldovan authorities can continue to count on the EU’s support. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has made statements to this effect, following the meeting of Moldova–European Union Association Council.

“The today’s discussion comes at a turning point in the relations between Moldova and the European Union. Moldova is now approaching EU membership at an impressive pace. You are one of the leading countries in this regard. We have already opened two negotiating clusters; we expect to open two more soon and to open all of them by the end of this year. We also support you in the demanding work of meeting the interim benchmarks on the rule of law. Reforms are advancing in all areas, and in the judicial field, strengthening the rule of law is among our key priorities,” the European official said.

 





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The European Commissioner also highlighted the involvement of the new prime minister in the European integration process.

“The new prime minister is deeply involved, full of passion and enthusiasm and is defending this historic project—namely, for your country to become a member of the European Union. I hope this will happen during your term in office. You can count on our support,” Marta Kos said.

Another topic discussed during the meeting was the Growth Plan for Moldova. The European Commissioner announced that a payment of 157 million euros had been made today following the reforms adopted by Moldova to meet the conditions attached to the funding.

“We are working to support the growth of Moldova’s economy and create more jobs. Today, a payment of 157 million euros was made under the Growth Plan for Moldova, the largest financial package Moldova has ever received. Moldova has adopted extremely important reforms to secure this payment. The payment is conditional. Now, we need to step up our efforts, so that the Growth Plan translates into results. You can receive more than 500 million euros from the Growth Plan this year, if you continue along this path,” Marta Kos said.

The European Commissioner noted that European funds would contribute to the modernization of roads, investment in schools and the creation of new jobs, so that young people can build their future in Moldova.

In her statements, Marta Kos also referred to energy security, emphasizing the need to accelerate efforts, so that Moldova can become energy independent.

“Our partnership has been put to the test by the difficult circumstances we are going through. Current developments once again show how important it is to accelerate these efforts, so that your system becomes independent,” the European official said.

Marta Kos described the current period as the “autumn of enlargement” and announced that she expected to continue the dialogue with the authorities of Moldova at the Digital Summit, scheduled for early next November.

The meeting of the Moldova–European Union Association Council took place in Brussels today. The country was represented by a delegation led by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.