Moldova ready to open remaining EU accession negotiation clusters, Sandu says

Moldova is ready to open the four remaining negotiation clusters in its European Union accession process, President Maia Sandu said during a phone conversation with European Council President António Costa.

The discussion took place one week before the European Council meeting scheduled for October 15–16, where EU enlargement and institutional reforms are expected to feature prominently on the agenda, Moldovan Presidency’s press service reported, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

Sandu and Costa discussed Moldova’s progress toward EU membership and the steps needed to advance accession negotiations.

In June, Moldova opened its first two negotiation clusters, covering Fundamentals and External Relations. The country aims to open the remaining four by the end of the year.

“Moldova’s accession to the EU remains our shared commitment. We look forward to opening two negotiation clusters next week, with all remaining clusters to be addressed by the end of the year,” Costa wrote following the conversation.

He added that the two leaders had also discussed Moldova’s security situation.

“The EU is united in its response to Russia’s increasingly reckless hybrid campaigns,” Costa said.

The officials also discussed pre-accession policies and the EU’s preparations for future enlargement, presented by the European Commission on October 6.

Their talks included roadmaps being developed by Brussels for Moldova and other candidate countries that have made significant progress toward European integration.

EU signals progress in Moldova’s accession talks

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also expressed optimism about accelerating Moldova’s accession negotiations following the EU–Moldova Association Council meeting held in Brussels on October 5.

Kos said Moldova was advancing at an “impressive pace” toward EU membership and described the country as one of the leading candidates in the enlargement process.

According to the commissioner, the next two negotiation clusters could be opened soon, provided procedural requirements are met and EU member states reach an agreement.

She also indicated that all six negotiation clusters could be opened by the end of 2026.

Moldova targets EU membership readiness by 2030

Moldova aims to complete the technical work required to conclude EU accession negotiations by early 2028 and be ready for EU membership by 2030.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan outlined these objectives during a press conference following the 10th EU–Moldova Association Council meeting.

He described European integration as Moldova’s national project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the necessary reforms.

During the Association Council meeting, the EU and Moldova welcomed progress in the accession process and emphasized the importance of opening the remaining negotiation clusters.

Both sides also highlighted achievements in strengthening the rule of law, reforming the judiciary and combating corruption.

The European Council is scheduled to meet in Brussels on October 15–16, with EU enlargement among the key issues expected to be discussed by European leaders.

Photo: Chat GPT