Lawmakers from four EU states support opening of accession negotiations with Moldova; declaration to this effect signed in Chisinau

Representatives of the committees for European affairs from the parliaments of Italy, Greece, Portugal and Croatia have taken part in a joint meeting held in Chisinau, during which a declaration was signed in support of Moldova’s  European path. The head of the parliamentary commission for European integration, Marcel Spatari, has made statements to this effect.

According to Spatari, the visit of the European officials reconfirms the cooperation relations and close dialogue which Moldova has built over the years with the European Union member states.

“Moldova is supported by strong, dedicated and united partners. During the joint meeting, we had an open and constructive exchange of opinions, which resulted in the signing of a joint declaration supporting Moldova’s accession to the European Union,” said Marcel Spatari.

The document is also to be signed by representatives of the Committee for European Affairs of the Croatian Parliament, who were unable to attend the meeting.

The official underlined that the signing of the declaration was taking place at an important moment for the country, in the context that the Moldova – European Union intergovernmental conference is being held in Luxembourg, marking the opening of accession negotiations on the first cluster of chapters, “Fundamental Values.”

“The opening of this cluster, dedicated to the rule of law, justice reform and the fight against corruption, represents a direct recognition of the progress achieved by our country. We welcome the fact that our European partners acknowledge this progress and support the advancement of the accession process,” Spatari said.

The head parliament’s commission for European integration drew attention to the fact that the accession process is taking place in a complicated geopolitical context, marked by security challenges, disinformation and external interference.

“That is precisely why it is important to maintain unity and a firm commitment to the European path of Moldova. We need the support of European states and we will continue to promote the necessary reforms, strengthen state institutions and maintain the pace of the transformations that have begun,” said Marcel Spatari.

In conclusion, the MP emphasized that European integration was a joint effort of the authorities and society.

Ioannis Plakiotakis, vice-president of the Parliament of Greece and chairman of the Standing Special Committee on European Affairs, noted that Greece had always been a strong supporter of the European Union’s enlargement process.

“This process is important not only for Moldova, but also for the security and stability of the entire region. We support the reform efforts and the commitment of the Moldovan authorities. However, each candidate country must be evaluated on its own merits and on how it meets the accession criteria. Accession is not a price to be paid, but an investment in the future of Moldova and the benefits will be felt by future generations. The reforms being implemented today are contributing to a more prosperous, more resilient Moldova, that is closer to European standards.”

Edite Estrela, chair of the Committee on European Affairs in the Parliament of Portugal, said that the message sent by her country was clear: Moldova has shown remarkable commitment to its European path.

“The progress made in recent years is significant. Moldova has advanced on the reforms’ agenda, strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law in line with European standards. This progress has been achieved in difficult conditions, marked by external pressures, hybrid threats and the effects of the war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Europe is not built only through treaties, but through solidarity and a shared destiny. This European destiny today includes Moldova as well.”

Alessandro Giglio Vigna, chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, said that his country firmly supported the process of Moldova’s European integration and was ready to provide both political and technical assistance.

“We believe in this European path and in Moldova’s capacity to advance in the accession process. At the same time, it is important to be aware of external challenges and disinformation campaigns that seek to undermine this path. Italy will continue to support Moldova in strengthening democracy and in moving closer to the European Union.”

The signing of the joint declaration supporting the European path of Moldova comes at a moment considered essential for the country’s European integration process. Today in Luxembourg, the first accession negotiation cluster between Moldova and the European Union, titled “Fundamental Values,” will be officially opened. It targets key areas, such as the rule of law, the working of democratic institutions and the protection of fundamental rights, which are considered core elements of the accession process.

The country’s delegation to the Moldova – European Union intergovernmental conference is headed by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.