EU shows unprecedented openness to Moldova: There is a high probability the first negotiation cluster will open at the next Council
The Republic of Moldova is closer than ever to the European Union, according to both European parliamentarians and national experts. Our country is experiencing unprecedented support from European partners, and ongoing reform efforts could speed up the accession process in the coming years.
Experts believe that officially initiating EU accession negotiations could instill renewed confidence among the population and encourage greater societal involvement in the European integration process.
The Republic of Moldova is regarded at the European level as the “class winner” in the accession process, due to its rapid reforms and the clear pro-European stance of its citizens, as noted by Romanian MEP Dan Barna in a special edition of Radio Moldova dedicated to Europe Day.
Barna pointed out that in just two and a half years, Chișinău has made progress comparable to what Romania achieved over an 8-10-year period, a fact acknowledged by European institutions.
He mentioned a strong likelihood that negotiations will begin on all six clusters by the end of this year. “There is a very high probability that, at the next Council meeting, we will open at least the first cluster concerning fundamental values. This is a renewed window of opportunity. The recent results in Hungary, where citizens voted to maintain their country’s European orientation after former Prime Minister Orban had shifted it eastward, benefit the enlargement policy, particularly for Moldova,” emphasized Dan Barna.
Accession to the European Union demands sustained efforts from the authorities, as well as continuous communication with citizens to clarify the varying pace of reforms and the necessity for further adjustments, according to Carolina Bogatiuc, representative of the “European Initiative” Association.
She underscored the significance of opening all six negotiation clusters by the year’s end, viewing this step as a strong signal to both citizens and European countries regarding Chișinău’s commitment.
“Of course, we really want these negotiation chapters to be officially opened as soon as possible. Montenegro serves as an example, having initiated negotiations on all chapters yet finding it challenging to conclude them. Currently, the Republic of Moldova has several scenarios to consider. The most critical aspect is to achieve an advanced level in judicial reform, which pertains to cluster 1, because the entire pace of how we start and conclude these negotiations depends on it,” warned Carolina Bogatiuc.
Regional security plays a vital role in the Republic of Moldova's European journey. Gheorghe Bălan, the former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, stated that choosing to integrate into the European Union is “not just an easy path but a correct one.”
He explained that the war initiated by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has altered citizens' perceptions of security risks, highlighting that peace is not guaranteed. “The Republic of Moldova's choice is to join the European family, where peace and stability exist, where there is prosperity, and where fundamental human rights and freedoms are upheld. In this environment, the war against any state is implausible, as countries have long overcome past misunderstandings, removed borders, unified economies, and live as one family,” declared Gheorghe Bălan on Radio Moldova.
Europe Day is celebrated on May 9 to commemorate the Schuman Declaration, which proposed the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community. This was the first of a series of European institutions that laid the foundation for today's European Union.
In the Republic of Moldova, Europe Day was celebrated for the first time on a large scale at the Great National Assembly Square on May 9, 2016. This marked a significant change from previous years when the event had been celebrated more modestly.
Following this, a legislative initiative was supported to officially commemorate Europe Day concurrently with Victory Day over Fascism. This project was approved by Parliament in April 2017.
