VIDEO // Marta Kos at opening of accession negotiations: It is time for whole society to unite for European reforms

The opening of the Republic of Moldova’s accession negotiations with the European Union for Cluster 1 – Fundamental Values represents a formal recognition of the progress our country has made in the reform process. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos made the statement after the Intergovernmental Conference Republic of Moldova – European Union, held in Luxembourg.

The European official described the moment as an important one for the European path of the Republic of Moldova and stressed that the decision adopted reflects the efforts made by the authorities in Chișinău over the past months.


“It is an important step. We formally recognize the progress that the Republic of Moldova has made in recent months in terms of reform,” said Marta Kos.


The European Commissioner noted that the European Union continues to monitor the implementation of reforms and reiterated the importance of strengthening the rule of law, justice reform, and combating corruption.


“We also have a list of recommendations regarding justice reform and the fight against corruption. The Commission now expects the Council to work towards opening the other five clusters of chapters,” the European official said.


 



According to her, the next stage of the negotiation process involves setting interim benchmarks that will later allow the closure of the negotiating chapters.

Marta Kos also issued an appeal to political forces and Moldovan society to jointly support the reform agenda.


“It is time for political parties, both the majority and the opposition, to come together to carry out reforms jointly. Society must also unite, because these reforms improve the lives of all Moldovans,” said the European Commissioner.


The official noted that the Republic of Moldova is maintaining a good pace of reforms and benefits from unprecedented financial support from the European Union.

Recalling her recent participation in the EU–Moldova Investment Conference in Chișinău, Marta Kos stressed that Brussels intends to invest over one billion euros in the economy of the Republic of Moldova.


“Our financial commitment and intention are to invest more than one billion euros in the Moldovan economy. This makes European integration a tangible reality for all Moldovans,” said the European official.


The Commissioner for Enlargement said that during her visit to Chișinău, she sensed a great deal of energy and confidence in the country’s European future within society.


“In the Republic of Moldova, I felt there is energy and a lot of confidence in the country’s European path. We must respond to the expectations of those who want the Republic of Moldova to finally join the European Union,” said Marta Kos.


At the end of her statement, the European official congratulated the government team in Chișinău for the results achieved in preparing the accession negotiations.

The Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg marked the official launch of the Republic of Moldova’s accession negotiations for Cluster 1 – Fundamental Values, which includes key chapters on the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, justice reform, fundamental rights, and the fight against corruption.