From candidate to accession: Moldova takes a giant leap
Moldova's parliament resonated with a unique harmony Friday morning as both the national anthem and the anthem of the European Union rang out, marking the official launch of the country's accession talks with the EU bloc.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, visibly moved, expressed profound gratitude to all who diligently navigated Moldova's path towards European integration. "Yesterday," he declared, "we witnessed a moment of profound historical significance, a culmination of years of unwavering aspiration. The European Council has formally initiated accession negotiations for Moldova."
Grosu acknowledged the critical roles played by numerous stakeholders, both prominent and behind-the-scenes. He commended the dedication of lawmakers, the tireless efforts of "less visible officials" across government and parliament, and the unwavering support of the Moldovan people. "Your trust and belief in this dream," he affirmed, "has paved the way for this momentous development."
This landmark decision arrives on the heels of Thursday's announcement by European Council President Charles Michel, who granted Moldova and Ukraine the green light for accession talks. Georgia, meanwhile, secured candidate status, while Bosnia and Herzegovina's potential negotiation start in March hinges on a positive assessment by the European Commission.
Moldova and Ukraine achieved candidate status in record time, back in June 2022. Since then, the EU has stood firmly by Moldova, providing crucial financial support to navigate the challenges arising from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Importantly, both the European Parliament and Commission had previously endorsed the commencement of accession talks with Moldova in October and November, respectively.
While elation pervades Moldova, the journey towards EU membership remains long and arduous. The intricate negotiation process demands extensive reforms and meticulous alignment with EU laws and standards. Nevertheless, Friday's momentous occasion marks a historic turning point in Moldova's ongoing quest for European integration.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
