Moldova aims to open all EU negotiation chapters in next six months

Moldova aims, over the next six months, to open the four remaining clusters of negotiation chapters with the European Union and to make significant progress in fulfilling the criteria required for the preliminary closure of some negotiation chapters. The goals were announced by the Deputy Prime Minister-designate for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov, in the parliament’s plenum, during the debates on the governing programme of the cabinet led by designated Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

“In the context of the Irish Presidency, I believe we have a very good opportunity to advance in the negotiation process. We have set more priorities for these six months. First of all, to move forward with opening the four remaining clusters of chapters, and here we have the support of colleagues in Dublin. Secondly, we aim to make significant progress in meeting the interim benchmarks, those milestones that will allow us to move to the stage of preliminary closure of some negotiation chapters,” said Cristina Gherasimov.

The deputy PM also said that another objective is to get a new favourable assessment on behalf of the European Commission.

“Our country demonstrated enormous progress last year, and we aim this year as well to receive a very good assessment from the European Commission. For this, all state institutions are working at full capacity. These priorities will allow us, towards the end of the year, to be ready for the preliminary closure of certain chapters. This does not mean that they will be closed, but that we will be sufficiently advanced to take this step,” the deputy prime minister specified.

During the debates, the Deputy Parliament Speaker Doina Gherman praised the governing programme presented by designated Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and noted the strong emphasis placed on European integration.

“We appreciate the effort and work invested in drafting the governing programme. It is a good plan, with a strategic vision of the processes and an ambitious programme focused on concrete areas. The accession to the European Union is mentioned 59 times, and I welcome this. At this stage, we are in an advanced process: we have two clusters open, and another four are to be opened. At the same time, we have less than half a year left of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union,” said Doina Gherman.

For his part, designated Prime Minister Vasile Tofan assured that all responsible institutions would receive the necessary support to accelerate the European path.

“For my part, I want to assure you that the ministries and agencies will have all  necessary support. It is very important that we are disciplined in the weeks and months ahead. We will take advantage of Ireland’s Presidency, which is very open and positive towards our European path. My role will be to ensure that we allocate the necessary resources to achieve these objectives,” said Vasile Tofan.

Today, MPs are examining the governing programme and the composition of the cabinet of ministers proposed by designated Prime Minister Vasile Tofan. After the presentation of the cabinet’s priorities and the plenary debates, the parliament is to decide by vote on giving confidence to the new government.