VIDEO // Moldova opens negotiations on EU accession Cluster 6: Historic day for EU enlargement

The Republic of Moldova is marking a new step forward in the process of European integration with the official opening of negotiations on Cluster 6, “External relations,” during the third Intergovernmental Conference between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, held this evening in Brussels.

The event follows the unanimous adoption by the 27 EU member states of a common negotiating position and their decision to convene the third Intergovernmental Conference Moldova–European Union.

During the intergovernmental conference, the Council of the European Union presented the common position of the member states regarding Cluster 6, while the Moldovan side set out its negotiating position and the commitments undertaken to align with EU legislation and policies.

The delegation of the Republic of Moldova to the Intergovernmental Conference is headed by Interim Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu. At the end of the conference, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Marta Kos, Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, and the Interim Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Eugeniu Osmochescu, will hold a joint press conference.

The Irish Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, welcomed the decision to open negotiations on Cluster 6.

“We are talking about a historic day for EU enlargement. This is a significant step forward. For many years now, the Republic of Moldova has demonstrated its strategic alignment with EU values. The work carried out has led to remarkable progress. The Republic of Moldova is an example of resilience and courage,” said Thomas Byrne.

Interim Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu said that today’s event marks another important step in the accession process.

“Every negotiation chapter that we open brings us closer to our goal of EU membership. We will continue to move forward with determination, responsibility and confidence,” noted Eugeniu Osmochescu.

European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Marta Kos underlined that the Republic of Moldova “is the best-performing student in its class.” “It truly is a super Tuesday for the enlargement of the European Union, and the Republic of Moldova is part of this process. Today we are opening Cluster Six, the cluster dealing with external relations, as well as security and defence policies. This is an area in which the Republic of Moldova is already making a strong contribution to the European Union. The Republic of Moldova is part of the security architecture of our continent. The Republic of Moldova is already helping to protect European security,” said Marta Kos.

Cluster 6 External relations is part of the EU accession negotiation framework and consists of two negotiation chapters: Chapter 30, covering the European Union’s common commercial policy, and Chapter 31, which concerns foreign, security and defence policy.

Before the start of the intergovernmental conference, Interim Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu stated that the opening of negotiations on Cluster 6 External relations marks a new important stage in our country’s accession process to the European Union and reflects the progress achieved by the Republic of Moldova in aligning itself with EU policies and values.

The Republic of Moldova opened its first negotiation cluster for EU accession – Cluster 1 Fundamental values – on 15 June 2026, during the second EU–Republic of Moldova Intergovernmental Conference, held in Luxembourg.