Deputy Prime Minister: Moldova ready to officially open EU accession negotiations in September

Moldovan authorities are ready to open EU accession negotiations in September, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov told Moldova 1 TV channel show.

According to the official, Chisinau has completed the essential technical step of the process - the screening, which involved comparing national legislation with European legislation.


"We are at the end of the screening (...). The European Council has determined that Moldova is ready for opening the first cluster of negotiations, the one on fundamental values," said Gherasimov.


The negotiations will start with the key pillar of the European construction - the rule of law, justice functioning, and fundamental rights. To support this process, Chisinau authorities have approved three roadmaps setting the reform agenda for the coming years in public administration, justice and the functioning of democratic institutions.

"We have accomplished everything necessary as a technical basis for opening negotiations. We have been appreciated in Brussels for the committed reforms," added the Deputy Prime Minister.

Cristina Gherasimov noted that Moldova benefits from the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states. During her recent visits to Lithuania, Latvia and Finland, the official obtained commitments regarding support in key domains, such as combating disinformation, training public officials and investments in green energy.

In the context of the hybrid war waged by the Russian Federation in the region, Gherasimov highlighted the danger of disinformation and urged citizens to seek information from official sources.


"It's not the first time our country is targeted by attacks meant to create fear and instability. It's important to have confidence in the citizens - they can distinguish between truth and manipulation," concluded the Government representative.