European Union member states' MPs call for speeding up EU accession talks with Moldova; declaration to this effect signed in Chisinau

Moldova is receiving a new signal of support on behalf of its European partners, after representatives of the parliaments of seven European Union member states signed a declaration in Chisinau today, calling for the acceleration of EU accession negotiations.

The document was signed by Marcel Spatari, the head of commission for European integration, together with representatives of the committees on European affairs from the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Poland and Germany.

“This is a declaration that calls on the member states and the European Union to take the necessary measures, in order to open formal negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the European Union across all clusters, so that the accession process can continue and be accelerated on the coming period, in order to maintain the momentum we have recently achieved,” said Marcel Spatari at the closing news conference of the official visit.

The declaration reaffirms strong support for the European path of Moldova and welcomes the progress made by the country’s authorities in the process of reforms and strengthening democratic institutions, in the context of external pressures and security challenges.

Also, during the conference, Peeter Tali, the head European Affairs Committee of the Estonia’s Parliament, delivered an encouraging message to the citizens of Moldova.

“Here, we discussed your country’s progress on the path of European integration, and it is truly impressive. I can say this with certainty. We see a very strong commitment on your behalf. The citizens of Moldova, in three democratic electoral exercises, despite Russian interference, have chosen to maintain the European path. This is the will of your country, the will of the citizens. We also see this impressive dedication in the process of European integration. Estonia fully supports the integration of Moldova and we want to share our own experience. We also encourage other European partners to support this path. In addition to this, we are closely following developments within the European Union and in the member states. Efforts are being made in national parliaments and at EU level, in order to identify solutions and remove any obstacles to the enlargement of the European Union. In this context, I mean approaches that can create blockages, including the use of the veto to block initiatives on supporting Ukraine and on EU enlargement. That is why, we are seeking alternative solutions to ensure the continuation of this process. The main idea of our discussions and of this signed declaration is clear: we want a bigger, stronger and more united European Union,” the official stated.

Erik Ottoson, the head of the European Affairs Committee of Sweden’s Parliament, stressed that the European path of Moldova was, without a doubt, irreversible.

“I believe we are very fortunate to be able to visit you and we are also very grateful that we have the opportunity to see firsthand the progress your country has made on the path to accession. It is obvious to anyone from abroad who comes to Moldova that everything you have achieved is impressive. The road to accession is undoubtedly irreversible, and the role of Moldova in Europe is growing and becoming stronger with each passing day. We see the steps you are taking, and this is important not only for Moldova, but also for the European Union, which finds itself at a defining moment in its history. This is a moment when more countries aspire to the values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and the European Union wants to welcome them into the great European family. All these efforts give us hope, because there are countries that continue to aspire to democracy and European values. Namely for this reason, we signed this joint declaration today, an important step and, at the same time, a first for a member of the Swedish Parliament. I want to underline the importance of this declaration. By signing it, we have taken an important step, even though it meant going beyond certain traditions in Sweden’s political culture. It is a significant commitment for us as well. We need countries like Moldova, which work hard and advance firmly on the European path,” Erik Ottoson noted.

The signatories further underlined that accession negotiations must be opened without delay and encouraged EU member states to adopt the necessary decisions in this regard, both for Moldova and for Ukraine.

According to the declaration, the European Union’s enlargement process must be merit-based, predictable and reliable, and the integration Moldova would contribute to strengthening security, stability and prosperity in the region.

The European officials also reiterated their readiness to continue supporting Moldova, including through inter-parliamentary cooperation and exchanges of experience, in order to back the reforms needed for European integration.

The signing of the declaration was also welcomed by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, during his meeting with the European parliamentarians.

“The support and experience of these states are important for us. The European integration is the firm choice of our citizens, expressed at the ballot box, and represents a national project for peace, development and a secure future at home,” Grosu concluded.

Representatives of the committees on European affairs from the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Poland and Germany are paying a joint visit to Moldova on March 29-31, 2026, at an invitation by Marcel Spatari, the head of commission for European integration.