Marta Kos, exclusive interview on Moldova 1 TV: Chișinău nears key milestone in EU accession negotiations
In the coming months, the Republic of Moldova could make a major step toward provisionally closing its first EU accession negotiation chapters. The European Commission is already assessing the documents the Government submitted on meeting interim rule-of-law benchmarks. The target of provisionally closing 25 chapters by the end of 2027 is considered realistic by EU member states.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos made these statements in an exclusive interview with Moldova 1.
A mandatory condition for advancing to the next stage of negotiations is meeting the interim rule-of-law benchmarks, known as IBAR. These focus on fundamental reforms, including judicial functioning and adherence to rule-of-law principles.
Authorities in Brussels are currently reviewing the progress reported by Chișinău, and they could reach a decision on this stage within a few months.
"Yes, you are very close to this goal. We call this IBAR. We have already received the document from your government, and we are now assessing how far you already meet these requirements. This could happen in a few months, and it is indeed an important milestone," stated Marta Kos.
Meeting the interim benchmarks for the rule of law will allow the Republic of Moldova to begin the provisional closure of negotiating chapters for which it demonstrates readiness to implement European legislation. Albania reached a similar milestone in May 2026, and achieving this would significantly boost the negotiations, Marta Kos explained.
The proposed timeline for the Republic of Moldova is considered realistic by EU member states. The assessments presented by the European Commission alongside the publication of the enlargement report have been well received, and EU countries are expected to support the subsequent stages of the process. "Everyone agreed that what we have put on paper is realistic, which means they also see the potential for Moldova to implement the provisions set out in the roadmap. Consequently, I expect the member states to be supportive of each of Moldova’s next steps in this process," stated the European Commissioner.
Shortage of specialists: a challenge for accession reforms
A lack of qualified personnel in certain public institutions poses another challenge to implementing reforms. This shortage of specialists is particularly felt in the field of environmental legislation, where the application of European standards requires complex technical knowledge.
The situation is improving, and the European Union is supporting staff training, noted Marta Kos.
"There are areas where there are not enough experts—for instance, in a highly complex field like environmental law. We are providing support, as I mentioned earlier; however, I understand that your government is making significant efforts to ensure an adequate number of specialists in this field—a field which, incidentally, is constantly evolving," the European Commissioner explained.
According to the roadmap presented by the European Commission, up to 25 negotiating chapters could be provisionally closed by the end of 2027. This objective depends on the Republic of Moldova fulfilling the commitments it has undertaken. Reaching this would bring the country to a level comparable to that of Montenegro—one of the states furthest along in its accession negotiations, said Marta Kos for Moldova 1.
The visit of European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to the Republic of Moldova comes a few days after the publication of the European Commission’s report on EU enlargement on November 4.
The document notes progress across all 33 negotiation chapters assessed, while also highlighting the need for continued reforms—particularly in the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
To date, the Republic of Moldova has opened four of the six negotiation clusters, and the authorities in Chisinau aim to open the remaining two by the end of 2026.
