Moldova closer to final stage of EU accession negotiations; estimate by European Commissioner for Enlargement

Moldova by the end of 2027 might reach Montenegro’s current level in the process of joining the European Union, with Montenegro currently about one month away from closing all negotiation chapters. The estimate was made by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in an interview with the public television broadcaster.

“If you continue at this pace, I would like to make a comparison: by the end of 2027, Moldova could reach the same level at which Montenegro currently stands, practically one month away from closing all negotiation chapters,” Marta Kos said.

According to the European official, Moldova could provisionally close 25 of the 33 negotiation chapters by the end of 2027, provided that the government, parliament, and the entire society fulfill their commitments.

“This goal is realistic, provided that the government, parliament and the entire country fulfill their commitments. So far, Moldova has demonstrated that it can do this, so I have no doubt that this objective can be achieved. It is difficult work, but what you have accomplished so far is the result of the efforts made over the past three or four years. Every year, you have taken important steps forward and demonstrated that you are truly determined to become members of the European Union,” the European Commissioner said.





At the same time, Marta Kos drew attention to two risks that could influence the accession process: the failure of the Moldovan authorities to implement the agreed reforms and the political dynamics in the European Union’s member states.

“The first risk is that the reforms may not be implemented. However, knowing you, the people of Moldova, I am convinced that you will continue to fulfill your commitments in the future as well. The second risk concerns developments in the member states of the European Union,” Marta Kos said.

The European Commissioner noted that the accession process had two components: a technical one and a political one. The technical component is managed by the European Commission in cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov, who is also Moldova’s chief negotiator. The second component depends on the positions and decisions of the EU member states.

In the context, Marta Kos emphasized the importance of keeping all 27 member states constantly informed about Moldova’s progress and ensuring their participation at every stage of the negotiation process.

“Each stage of the process requires the agreement of all 27 EU member states. As established from the outset, after 25 chapters are closed, next year, for each chapter that is provisionally closed, all 27 member states of the European Union must give their approval. This means that we must maintain permanent dialogue with them and ensure that they are involved and have all necessary information to be able to say: ‘Yes, Moldova is making progress and doing very well,’” the European Commissioner said.

To date, Moldova has opened negotiations on four of the six clusters of the EU acquis: Fundamentals, External Relations, the Internal Market and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth. Meanwhile, on November 4, the European Commission published a roadmap for Moldova’s EU accession negotiations, which provides for the provisional closure of 25 chapters in 2027 and the opening of the final two clusters by the end of 2026.