Moldova opens EU accession negotiations for Cluster 6 External Relations

The Republic of Moldova and the European Union today opened accession negotiations for Cluster 6 External Relations within the third Republic of Moldova–European Union Intergovernmental Conference, held in Brussels.

The opening of Cluster 6 comes just one month after the start of negotiations for Cluster 1 – Fundamental Values and the decision marks a new stage in the accession process. It confirms the advancement of negotiations based on the progress achieved, the sustained reforms and mutual trust. Cluster 6 covers areas such as foreign, security and defence policy, as well as the European Union’s common commercial policy.

Acting Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu thanked the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the Member States for their support for the Republic of Moldova and for their confidence in the country’s European future.

“European integration is the strongest guarantee of peace and security for the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, our country is increasingly prepared to assume its share of responsibility for Europe’s security,” said Osmochescu.

The acting Prime Minister underlined that in recent years, the Republic of Moldova has substantially strengthened its cooperation with the European Union in the fields of foreign, security and defence policy. The degree of alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy has increased from 54% in 2022 to over 90% in 2025, and the experience gained by the Republic of Moldova in protecting democratic institutions, countering hybrid attacks and strengthening societal resilience represents an important contribution to regional and European security. The opening of negotiations for Cluster 6 is also of major economic importance.

The European Union is the Republic of Moldova’s main trading partner, with more than two thirds of the country’s exports directed to the EU market.

“By joining the European Union’s Common Commercial Policy, Moldovan enterprises will become part of the largest network of free trade agreements in the world, which will create new opportunities for investment, exports and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

During the Conference, the efforts undertaken by Moldovan institutions for the early implementation of reforms were highlighted.

“This reflects the way the Republic of Moldova approaches the entire accession process: we prepare in advance, we implement reforms consistently and we maintain the pace,” he said.

“Our objective remains unchanged: to conclude accession negotiations by 2028 and to be fully ready for accession by 2030, in order to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Republic of Moldova within the European Union. We will continue to move forward in this process with determination, responsibility and confidence,” concluded Osmochescu.