President at annual EU Enlargement Conference: Moldova aims to conclude EU accession negotiations by 2028

The Republic of Moldova aims to conclude its accession negotiations with the European Union by 2028. To this end, 2027 must be a year of concrete results, especially regarding the implementation of reforms. We are not frightened by the amount of work ahead because we know that now is the time for our country to fulfill the hope carried by entire generations: to live in peace and freedom alongside the other European peoples. The message was delivered today by President Maia Sandu during the Annual Conference on European Union Enlargement – 2026 Enlargement Package, held in Chișinău.

The official said that after years marked by energy dependence and external pressure, the Republic of Moldova now has the opportunity to recover lost time and become part of the European Union, in a united Europe where states are equal and rules are respected.


“We have an objective for which we are working, and results that can be measured. The report presented by the European Commission last week confirms the progress made by the Republic of Moldova. We have advanced in all 33 negotiating chapters, opened four of the six clusters, and are fully prepared to open the final two. We have made good progress in judicial reform, combating corruption, public administration, education, the economy, and energy security. The Commission recognizes our achievements in foreign, security, and defense policy. These results were achieved during a period in which we faced the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, energy crises, and unprecedented attempts to destabilize our country. We have demonstrated that Moldova can move forward even when its security is under threat. We have gained experience from which other European states can learn. And we have demonstrated that a stronger Moldova contributes to Europe’s security. The European Commission also praised the pace of our reforms and, for the first time, mentioned that the objective of concluding accession negotiations by the beginning of 2028, although ambitious, is achievable,” Maia Sandu said.


The head of state noted that the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union must be based solely on merit, and that the progress achieved must be recognized through concrete decisions.


“We count on a fair assessment of our reforms and on the support of the member states to advance in the accession negotiations. It must be said that we would not have reached this point without the work of dedicated people who understood the responsibility they bear toward the country and its future. Our objective is to be ready to conclude the accession negotiations by 2028. To achieve this, 2027 must be a year of concrete results, especially regarding implementation. The European Commission has presented how it views the decision-making process once new members join and how compliance with European rules and values by all member states will be ensured. For the Republic of Moldova, this discussion is essential. We want a mechanism that guarantees the preservation of the rule of law and the continuation of reforms after accession as well. We know how much money Russia allocates to destabilize societies and destroy democracies. Therefore, it is a positive development that the European Union is discussing stronger mechanisms to defend European values. We want clear rules ensuring that Moldova can no longer be diverted from its European path. We want the reforms we are carrying out today to endure after accession,” Maia Sandu emphasized.


The President emphasized that regardless of the challenges of the EU accession process, the Republic of Moldova must continue building a state based on respect for the law, security, and freedom, with the ultimate goal of obtaining full membership in the European Union.


“Not all decisions regarding enlargement depend on us. But one thing certainly depends on each of us: what kind of country we build at home. A country where the law is respected. Where people can work and live safely. Where we are free, respected, and respectful of others. This is the Moldova we must build, regardless of how difficult the path is. And this is the Moldova we want to bring into the European Union. Our objective remains clear: to become a full member state of the European Union. We are not frightened by the amount of work ahead because we know that now is the time for Moldova to fulfill the hope carried by entire generations: to live in peace and freedom alongside the other European peoples,” Maia Sandu concluded.


The Annual Conference on European Union Enlargement – 2026 Enlargement Package is taking place today in Chișinău. The event brings together representatives of national authorities, European institutions, EU member states, civil society and media.

The first day of the conference will be dedicated to the 2026 Enlargement Package and the reforms required in the negotiating areas. On the second day, the conference will continue in the format of the European Integration Forum, with discussions on the role of Parliament, respect for the rule of law, and the contribution of civil society and the media to the accession process.