VIDEO // European Commission: Moldova meets conditions for opening three negotiation clusters

Moldova has ‘’advanced considerably on the path of accession despite hybrid challenges and destabilization attempts,’’ according to the European Commission Enlargement Report. The Commission confirms that Moldova has met the conditions for opening three negotiation clusters – 'foundations,' 'external relations,' and 'internal market' – and expects all ten clusters to be opened by the end of 2025.

Today, the European Commission adopted the annual enlargement package, which assesses the progress made by partner states on their path to European integration over the past 12 months. According to the document, Moldova has made significant advancements in the accession process, completing the technical screening phase and meeting the conditions for opening multiple negotiation clusters.

The European government welcomes the Moldovan authorities' commitments to provisionally close negotiations by early 2028, considering this objective 'ambitious but achievable,' if the current pace of reforms is maintained. The Commission notes progress in the areas of rule of law, public administration reform and the work of democratic institutions, accompanied by solid parliamentary support for the country's European path.

Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos highlighted that 2025 was a year of significant progress for EU’s enlargement. Moldova, along with Ukraine, Albania, and Montenegro, is among the leaders in reform.

‘’If the pace and quality of reforms are maintained, it is possible for accession negotiations to be concluded in the coming years. If done correctly, a more extensive Union will make Europe stronger. The Commission will insist on the highest standards of reform, particularly in the areas of rule of law, democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms. There will be no shortcuts. A united continent represents the strongest response to those who try to divide and destabilize Europe,’’ said Marta Kos.

The report emphasizes that the enlargement of the European Union remains a major priority on the EU's political agenda and that the accession of new member states is increasingly achievable.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the Union is ‘’more committed than ever to turning enlargement into a reality,’’ noting that ‘’a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the global stage.’’ She reiterated that the accession process was merit-based, contingent on reforms and firm political will.

‘’Our package provides specific recommendations for all our partners. And we send the same message to everyone: joining the European Union is a unique opportunity – a promise of peace, prosperity and solidarity. With the right reforms and strong political will, our partners can seize this chance,’’ said Ursula von der Leyen.

For her part, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized that ‘’the enlargement process is advancing faster today than in the last 15 years. We cannot lose this momentum – an expanded Europe is a safer Europe.’’

‘’The global order is changing and Europe's security is increasingly exposed to risks. Enlargement represents an investment in a stable Europe and most of our citizens recognize this. There are no shortcuts for aspiring countries, but everything the European Union can do to support the process must be done. The window for enlargement is wide open and we must seize this opportunity now. Accession of new states to the EU by 2030 is a realistic goal,’’ said Kallas.

In support of the accession process, the European Commission recalled the launch of the 1.9-billion-euros Growth Plan for Moldova, meant to boost reforms, strategic investments and gradual integration into the European single market.

The enlargement package reaffirms the European Union's commitment to supporting candidate countries – Moldova, Ukraine, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Turkey and Georgia – in their process of strengthening democracy, the rule of law and their economies.