EU moves to open first accession cluster for Moldova, Ukraine

The Republic of Moldova has received a new confirmation of progress on its European path after the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union launched, on the evening of June 3, preparations for the official opening of Cluster 1 in accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

The announcement marks an important stage in the EU accession negotiation process and reflects the progress made by authorities in Chișinău in implementing the reforms required for European integration.

The Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, stated that under the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council, important new steps have been taken to formally advance Moldova’s accession process to the European Union.

According to the official, the decision signals that enlargement policy remains a strategic priority for the EU and that Moldova continues to benefit from support on its European path.

Gherasimov stressed that the authorities in Chișinău will continue implementing reforms, aligning with European standards, and preparing for the official opening of all negotiation clusters.

She added that in the coming days, discussions will continue at the level of the EU Council to finalize the process allowing the formal opening of the first negotiation cluster. She also reiterated that Moldova is ready to advance based on its own merits and that each step brings the country closer to its strategic goal of EU membership.

Daniela Morari also stated:

"We are grateful to the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU for its strong support and leadership over recent months, as well as for its continuous efforts to advance the enlargement process. This marks an important step forward and reflects the steady progress of our country's EU accession process."

Cluster 1, called “Fundamental Values,” is the first group of negotiation chapters in the EU accession process. It includes areas such as the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, the judicial system, and fundamental rights.

The Republic of Moldova obtained EU candidate status in June 2022, and in December 2023 EU member state leaders decided to open accession negotiations. In June 2024, the first EU–Moldova Intergovernmental Conference was officially launched, marking the start of formal accession talks. The opening of Cluster 1 represents the next procedural step and is considered an indicator of Moldova’s progress toward European standards.

Photo: Chat GPT