Moldova ready to open all remaining negotiation clusters for EU accession; Moldovan president discusses matter with EU Council President

Moldova is ready to open the four remaining negotiation clusters in the process of accession to the European Union. President Maia Sandu has made statements to this effect said during a phone conversation with European Council President António Costa. The discussion took place one week before the European Council meeting on October 15–16, which will address the EU’s enlargement and reforms,  the Press Service of the Presidency has reported.

Maia Sandu and António Costa discussed the progress made by Moldova in the accession process, as well as the steps needed to advance the negotiations. In last June, Moldova opened the first two clusters—“Fundamentals” and “External Relations”—and aims to open the other four by the end of the year.

The two officials also discussed pre-accession policies and the European Union’s preparations for the enlargement process, presented by the European Commission on October 6, as well as the roadmaps that Brussels is preparing for Moldova and other candidate countries that have advanced in the European integration process.





Prospects for accelerating the negotiations were also confirmed by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, following the EU–Moldova Association Council meeting held in Brussels on October 5. The European official said that Moldova was progressing “at an impressive pace” on its path to accession and is one of the leading countries in the enlargement process. According to the European official, the next two clusters could be opened soon, if the procedural conditions are met and the member states agree. Marta Kos stressed that all six clusters could be opened by the end of this year.

Moldova aims to complete the technical work necessary to conclude the accession negotiations with the European Union by the beginning of 2028 and to be ready for EU membership by 2030. The statement was made by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan at a conference held after the tenth meeting of the Moldova–European Union Association Council. The PM said that European integration was Moldova’s national project.

At the Association Council meeting, the EU and Moldova welcomed the progress made in the accession process and underscored the importance of opening the remaining clusters. The parties also highlighted achievements in the areas of the rule of law, judicial reform and the fight against corruption.

The European Council meeting will take place in Brussels on October 15–16. The enlargement of the European Union is among the important topics on the agenda of the European leaders.