Head of EU Delegation to Chisinau says opening of negotiations for ‘Fundamental Values’ cluster recognition of Moldova’s progress

The official opening of Moldova’s EU accession negotiations for the first cluster of chapters, “Fundamental Values”, represents both a recognition of the progress made by the country and an important milestone in the European integration process. Head of the European Union Delegation to Iwona Piórko has made statements to this effect in an interview given with for TVR Moldova.

The European diplomat stressed that the authorities and citizens of Moldova had made considerable efforts to reach the current stage of the negotiations.

“It is certainly a recognition. Moldova, its authorities and its people have worked very hard to be ready to open political negotiations. The European Commission indicated very clearly, already in the latest enlargement report, that Moldova is ready for this step,” said Iwona Piórko.

The preparation process did not stop after the publication of the enlargement report and technical negotiations have continued constantly.

“No time has been lost at all. The technical negotiations have continued every day and a great deal of work has been done. It is a recognition of the performance of the entire country, but also an important milestone in the overall accession process,” the European official said.

Referring to the goal announced by the Moldovan authorities on the signing of the Accession Treaty by 2028 and a possible EU accession around 2030, the Head of the EU Delegation pointed out that the enlargement process was based on merit and on the implementation of reforms, not on predetermined deadlines.

“It is not about dates, but about a merit-based process. It requires a lot of work. We are living through historic times and a historic week for Moldova. The European Union supports the government’s ambition to continue reforms at a very good pace,” said Iwona Piórko.

However, the diplomat assessed that the objective proposed by the Moldovan authorities was ambitious, but achievable.

“We understand the government’s desire to be ready to sign the Accession Treaty in 2028. This depends on the pace of reforms. So far, reforms have advanced rapidly and this has been recognized, including in the enlargement report. If Moldova continues and even accelerates the pace of reforms, this scenario, although very ambitious and difficult, is feasible,” said the Head of the EU Delegation.

Iwona Piórko also recalled the political and economic support provided by the European Union to Moldova, highlighted as well during the recent visit to Chisinau by European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Marta Kos.

“We have seen strong political support for the European integration of Moldova, as well as substantial economic support. During the EU–Moldova Investment Conference, projects and initiatives worth one billion euros were announced. In addition, Moldova benefits from the Growth Plan supported by the European Union, estimated at 1.9 billion euros,” the European official noted.

Today, in Luxembourg, Moldova is officially opening negotiations for the first cluster of chapters, “Fundamental Values”, which covers key areas, such as the rule of law, justice reform, the working of democratic institutions, fundamental rights, and the fight against corruption.

At 22:25, Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, and Alexandru Munteanu, Prime Minister of Moldova, will hold a press conference.