Moldova opens EU accession talks on Cluster 6

The Republic of Moldova and its citizens have become an example of resilience, courage, and determination, while the country's significant progress in the European integration process has enabled the opening of accession negotiations on Cluster 6, "External Relations," just one month after negotiations began on Cluster 1, "Fundamentals."

The message was delivered by Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, at the conclusion of the Moldova–European Union Intergovernmental Conference held in Brussels, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

The Irish official said that Moldova has demonstrated its strategic alignment with the values of the European Union.

"Today is a super Tuesday. We have the largest number of representatives ever attending an Intergovernmental Conference. This is truly a historic day for the enlargement of the European Union. We opened the first cluster in June, and today the Council decided to open Cluster 6 on External Relations for the Republic of Moldova. This is truly significant progress. I visited Chisinau in March, and at that time we could hardly imagine that this would be possible. However, the Republic of Moldova has repeatedly demonstrated its strategic alignment with the values of the European Union," Thomas Byrne said.

According to Byrne, the work carried out by the Moldovan Government has produced remarkable progress.

"The Republic of Moldova and its citizens are an example of resilience, courage, and determination that we in the European Union can only admire. We congratulate you on these achievements. Your commitment to joining the European Union once again demonstrates the importance of embracing the Union's values of freedom and democracy," he added.

Thomas Byrne stressed that it is essential for Moldova to continue implementing all the necessary reforms.

"Over the coming months, we will continue to monitor Moldova's progress under a consistent methodology. We will continue all the technical work. It is very important that the Republic of Moldova continues to implement all the necessary reforms, and this is truly an excellent moment in the accession process," the Irish minister said.

In his concluding remarks, Byrne delivered a special message to Moldova and its citizens.

"We have absolutely no doubts about the future of the Republic of Moldova and the future of its citizens within the European Union," he concluded.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Republic of Moldova officially opened negotiations on Cluster 6, "External Relations," during the third Moldova–European Union Intergovernmental Conference held in Brussels.

Cluster 6 is part of the EU accession negotiation framework and consists of Chapter 30, covering the EU's common commercial policy, and Chapter 31, which focuses on foreign, security, and defence policy.

The development follows the opening of Cluster 1, "Fundamentals," in June during the second EU–Moldova Intergovernmental Conference held in Luxembourg, marking another important step in Moldova's path toward European Union membership.

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