Moldovan, Irish Prime Ministers discuss progress on European path

The advancement of the Republic of Moldova’s European path and the strengthening of Moldovan-Irish relations were discussed by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, whose country currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting took place in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan praised Ireland’s continued support for the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union and underscored that the country is ready to move on to the next stage of the negotiations.

“The Republic of Moldova is ready to open all the remaining negotiation clusters. We have made significant progress and want to maintain this pace. We hope that, during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, we will be able to take this important step forward together in our accession process,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

In this context, the head of the Government thanked Ireland for its contribution to the opening, in July 2026, of Cluster VI – External Relations, as well as for launching the three-year EU Enlargement Programme aimed at strengthening the professional capacities of civil servants from the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans. The programme provides civil servants from our country with access to the expertise and best practices needed to advance institutional reforms and prepare for EU accession.

The two officials also discussed the development of economic relations and the attraction of Irish investment to the Republic of Moldova, with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan presenting the opportunities available to investors. Bilateral cooperation in areas of direct interest to citizens was also welcomed. The agreement on the exchange of driving licences entered into force in July, while the Republic of Moldova and Ireland are working to advance an agreement in the field of social protection.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan also welcomed Ireland’s decision to open its first resident embassy in Chișinău this year, an important step toward strengthening relations between the two countries.