Moldova, Ukraine to open first EU accession negotiation cluster, says von der Leyen
The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are set to take another important step toward European Union membership in the coming days with the opening of the first cluster of accession negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during a press conference in Brussels.
According to the European Commission chief, the decision will mark the transition to the next stage of the accession process and the formal beginning of negotiations on thematic chapters, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
"In the coming days, we will open the first cluster with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. This practically opens the door to the next phase of the accession process, the formal start of negotiations," von der Leyen said.
The announcement was made during the presentation of the European Union's 21st sanctions package against Russia. In her remarks, the Commission president addressed both continued support for Ukraine and the EU's enlargement policy.
Referring to candidate countries from the Eastern Partnership region, von der Leyen highlighted Ukraine's reform progress and reaffirmed the European Commission's commitment to supporting countries pursuing European integration.
"Ukraine has delivered results. It is now time for us to deliver. We now have a historic opportunity to do so," she stated.
The Republic of Moldova submitted its application for European Union membership on March 3, 2022. On June 23, 2022, it was granted candidate country status, accompanied by recommendations to continue implementing key reforms.
In November 2023, European assessments confirmed Moldova's progress and recommended the opening of accession negotiations. The decision was approved by EU leaders in December 2023, and accession talks officially began on June 25, 2024.
In September 2025, Moldova completed the bilateral screening process with the EU, a stage that assesses the compatibility of national legislation with the EU acquis. In mid-December 2025, the country launched technical discussions on the first negotiating chapters.
Authorities in Chișinău have described this phase as a crucial milestone in the accession process, laying the foundation for future progress toward Moldova's full integration into the European Union.
The opening of the first negotiation cluster is expected to further accelerate Moldova's European path and demonstrate continued EU support for the country's reform agenda and long-term membership aspirations.
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