Moldova targets 2030 EU entry despite geopolitical headwinds and regional vetoes
The European Commission will initiate a rigorous monthly oversight of Moldova’s reform progress starting March 2026. President Maia Sandu announced the measure, signaling that state institutions failing to meet integration benchmarks will face immediate leadership changes.
The monitoring process is currently centralized across three pillars: the Bureau for European Integration, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Presidency. Sandu emphasized that "no compromises" will be made regarding performance, particularly in complex sectors such as agriculture and environmental protection.
To address existing capacity deficits, the government plans to replace underperforming management. The ultimate goal remains to fully prepare the country for European Union membership by 2030, moving beyond legislative harmonization to concrete implementation.
National security and regional stability
Addressing security concerns, President Sandu highlighted that European integration is the most viable path to ensuring national safety against Russian interference. While acknowledging that a closer union with Romania would enhance security, she noted that the authorities must act within constitutional limits and respect current public sentiment.
Moscow continues to deploy intimidation tactics to keep Moldova "fragile and vulnerable," according to the President. Consequently, accelerating the EU path is viewed not just as an economic goal, but as a fundamental strategy for national resilience.
The Ukraine-Moldova accession package
Regarding the diplomatic deadlock in Brussels caused by Hungary’s stance on Ukraine, Sandu clarified that "decoupling" the two nations' bids is not a legal option under current EU frameworks. Both countries have met their commitments and await the next phase of negotiations.
The President remains optimistic that the EU will identify "creative solutions" in the coming months to bypass political blockades. Meanwhile, Deputy PM Cristina Gherasimov expects technical negotiations for the final thematic chapters to begin within weeks.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
