Screening: European Commission will assess Moldova’s environmental sector
A new round of bilateral discussions between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union is set to take place next week in Brussels. This meeting will focus on Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change, a complex chapter that encompasses over 200 European acts and covers seven thematic areas. Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, highlighted the significance of this agenda. Meanwhile, Minister of Environment, Sergiu Lazarencu, emphasized that the discussions with European experts will concentrate on the Republic of Moldova's preparedness and objectives related to environmental protection and sustainable development.
"In the next five days, we will engage in discussions with experts from the European Commission regarding our country's current situation and plans in several areas: reducing water, soil, and air pollution, combating climate change, and ensuring citizen participation in environmental decision-making. We will address what measures we are taking to preserve nature, how we regulate chemicals, the development of necessary waste treatment infrastructure, and our country's preparedness for emergencies," stated Sergiu Lazarencu.
Among the most pressing environmental issues that Moldovan negotiators will face in Brussels are waste management, the low quality of drinking water, and the management of the forestry sector.
Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, previously noted that environmental matters will be one of the most challenging chapters in the negotiation process with the European Union.
At the beginning of June, the Republic of Moldova completed the screening process for Chapter 13, which pertains to fisheries and aquaculture, in Brussels. This process assessed the alignment of national legislation and practices in these areas with those of the European Union.
