European Commissioner for Enlargement: Moldova is special. You have impressed Europe with your strength and determination

In the past year, the Republic of Moldova has made the most significant progress on its European path, and by the end of 2025, it will be ready to begin negotiations on all six thematic clusters, which are expected to be completed in 2028. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos made the statements today in Chisinau. The official emphasized "the ambitions of the Republic of Moldova are very high but also realistic if the pace of reforms is accelerated".

Speaking at the Enlargement Report 2025: Progress and Future Priorities of the Republic of Moldova conference organized today in Chișinău, Marta Kos stated "the Republic of Moldova is the best student in its class," and the Enlargement Report presented by the European Commission includes concrete facts demonstrating that our country has made the most significant progress on its way to the EU.


"I am pleased to be here again in Chișinău for the fourth time this year. Some candidate states are envious, but I tell them that you are very special in your determination to become an EU member state. It is something special when I see your energy. You are the best students in my class. Now, with the Enlargement Report, there are facts that prove you have made the most significant progress in a year. Congratulations, Republic of Moldova! It has been a good year for Moldova, but it was also a good year for the European Union," said Marta Kos.


The European official added that the Republic of Moldova has made progress on all chapters of the community acquis and has successfully completed the screening process as quickly as possible, and by the end of the year, our country will be ready to start negotiations on all six thematic clusters.


"Your progress is significant and consistent. What is even more important - the Republic of Moldova has made the most annual progress among all candidate states, and I am very proud of you. It was truly a job well done. You have made progress on all chapters of the community acquis and have managed to achieve the fastest possible screening process. By the end of the year, you will be ready to start negotiations on all six thematic clusters," the European commissioner mentioned.


Beyond these steps, in 2025, the Republic of Moldova has managed to get closer to the EU, said Marta Kos.


"We have begun to implement the most important investment package that the Republic of Moldova has ever seen. These millions of euros allocated will modernize the country and bring fundamental changes. You will be able to increase public investments and attract more foreign investments. So, these are critical ingredients for the economy of the Republic of Moldova to reach the European level. The accession negotiations and tangible gradual integration of the Republic of Moldova in key policy areas bring benefits to your citizens and companies today, not tomorrow," said Marta Kos.


She added that the Republic of Moldova must invest the 1.9 billion euros provided in the Growth Plan by the end of 2027, and afterward, our country will also benefit from other resources.


"But I promise you that if you spend everything, I will do everything in my power, and you will receive more. So, you need to spend this money by the end of 2027, after which you will receive more funds," emphasized Marat Kos.


The official also spoke about the next steps that the Republic of Moldova needs to take on its European path.


"The Enlargement Report also sets out the path for the future, for 2026. Your ambitions are very high. But indeed, these ambitions are also realistic if the current speed of reforms continues to be accelerated. Next year, 2026, must be the year of implementation, not just checking boxes. That is, you should not do something because we say so. You must do it for your country. And it is the only way in which the accession process will succeed," stated Marta Kos.


The European commissioner added that the transposition of laws is not enough and that the value of reforms will be tested by the quality of implementation. "We will continue to monitor your progress. Real modernization and transformation depend on how laws will change reality, not how they look on paper. Likewise, we need to see the change felt by the people and businesses of Moldova. We need to make this European path a reality," she mentioned.

She assured that the Republic of Moldova will not be alone on this path and confirmed the EU's support for our country.


"But I also have to promise you that we will work together on this. I see myself as part of you, part of your team, dear Moldovans. We will intensify your efforts to help you face this burden of work. We will help you develop public and administrative capacity to draw up laws, ensuring quality and preparedness for implementation," the official specified.


Marta Kos also said that the Republic of Moldova is enjoying significant support in the EU because the country delivers results, but these efforts will need to be continued.


"Winning once is nice, but I have a challenge for you. You need to be winners next year too. I see how much you have grown in recent years and see your dedication and commitment here in Chișinău and throughout the country. There is a lot of support for Moldova all over Europe because you deliver. And the best thing for the future, to continue to benefit from this great support from the member states, is for you to continue to deliver," the commissioner pointed out.


The European official mentioned that if the Republic of Moldova continues its work on its European path, then the accession negotiations are expected to be completed in 2028, after which the ratification process, which usually lasts from one to two years, will follow.


"You have been in the headlines and have impressed Europe with your strength and determination. And you know, I have been asked many times, is Moldova really that special? Yes, it is. The Republic of Moldova is special. Why? Five elections and a referendum in five years with a consistent message - Europe, here we come! And we are getting ready! We are preparing a place for you in the European home. We want to see your success and want to see you taking your place within the EU. If we work very hard, then we will be able to finalize the negotiations in 2028, after which the ratification process, which usually lasts from one to two years so that all member states, having their internal procedures, can ratify your EU accession treaty," concluded Marta Kos.


Today, Chișinău is hosting the "Enlargement Report 2025: Progress and Future Priorities of the Republic of Moldova" conference, which analyzes the progress made by the Republic of Moldova on its European path and the priorities for the year 2026, based on the conclusions and recommendations formulated by the European Commission in the "Enlargement Report 2025". The event brings together representatives of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, international partners, academia, the business sector, and civil society.

The conference will include several discussion panels throughout the day, with the participation of several guests.

On November 4, the European Commission adopted the annual Enlargement Package, assessing the progress made by partner states in the last 12 months on the path to European integration.