Acting Prime Minister after opening negotiations on Cluster 6: We have shown perseverance and quality. We must continue implementing reforms

The Republic of Moldova has demonstrated perseverance and quality on its European path, and it is important that the implementation of reforms continues at the same pace. The statements were made at the beginning of today’s Government meeting by Acting Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu, following yesterday’s decision in Brussels to open negotiations on Cluster 6 – “External relations”. Osmochescu stressed that the Republic of Moldova aims to open negotiations on all clusters “as soon as possible”.

“We had a very intense day yesterday in Brussels, both in terms of meetings and of the messages conveyed by several commissioners as well as by the Member States. All officials appreciated the efforts made by the Republic of Moldova, not only in the context of Cluster 6, but in general all the reforms that are being implemented. We have shown a lot of perseverance, but also quality,” said Eugeniu Osmochescu at the beginning of the Government meeting.

The acting prime minister emphasized that it is important for reforms to be continued at the same pace. At the same time, the official pointed out that the authorities intend to open negotiations on all clusters “as soon as possible, this year”.

“What is very important is that we must continue implementing our efforts in the same way. We made our position clear during the already third intergovernmental conference, that we want the immediate opening of all negotiation clusters and we have support from the Irish Presidency, and we will strive to open them all this year as soon as possible. We are not relaxing; we are working and likewise demonstrating quality first and foremost, because one of the key elements discussed regarding what we have done as a state is not about ticking off the reforms that have been implemented, but about their quality and the results they have brought in all our areas,” concluded Eugeniu Osmochescu.

The Republic of Moldova and the European Union opened on 14 July the accession negotiations for Cluster 6 – “External relations”, within the third Intergovernmental Conference Republic of Moldova–European Union, held in Brussels.

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