Historic summit in Brussels // The European Council will take a decision regarding the launch of negotiations for accession to the European Union of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine
Today in Brussels begins the two-day Summit of the European Council, the agenda of which also includes discussions on the launch of negotiations for accession to the EU of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. We remind that both countries started this process at the same time, after they submitted their applications for membership, at the beginning of March 2022.
Relations between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union are based on the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, which entered into force in 2014. It lays the foundations for a stronger political association and economic integration between the EU bloc and our country. Also in 2014, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova obtained the right to travel without visas in the community space. After 2014, relations between Chisinau and Brussels dragged, with the European Union invoking several times the violation of democratic norms in our country.
The Republic of Moldova submitted its application for accession to the European Union on March 4, 2022, at the same time as Ukraine and Georgia. The decision was taken ad hoc, in the context of the Russian invasion of the neighboring country. The president of the country, Maia Sandu, mentioned then that it is a first step towards achieving the fundamental objective, that of European integration.
The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine obtained the status of candidate countries in a record time - on June 23, 2022. During these 18 months, the European Union stood by the Republic of Moldova with financial support to overcome the crises generated by the war started by the Russian Federation in Ukraine. Also, the political relations between Chisinau and Brussels were also strengthened, as well as bilateral relations with several member states of the EU bloc.
On June 1, the Republic of Moldova hosted the most relevant international event in its history - the Summit of the European Political Community, attended by over 40 European leaders, considered of great diplomatic and image importance for our country. The leadership of the European Union has repeatedly expressed support for the European path of our country. As did the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in front of over 60 thousand citizens, present on May 21 at the European Moldova Assembly.
As for the European Council that begins today in Brussels, we remind you that the Republic of Moldova has fulfilled 94% of the conditionalities it received once it obtained the status of a candidate country for accession. The 6% arrears refer to the justice reform, the fight against corruption and deoligarization. The decision of the European Council largely depends on the fulfillment of these recommendations. But, as can be seen from recent statements and comments, in the case of the Republic of Moldova it is primarily a political decision related to the negotiations within the EU bloc, but also to the relations of some member states, especially Hungary and Ukraine.
We remind you that the European Parliament, on October 5 and the European Commission, on November 8, recommended the European Council to start accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova.
