Moldova's EU bid hinges on three key reforms
Moldova's aspirations to join the European Union face a critical juncture, as completing three outstanding recommendations from the European Commission remains the primary obstacle to launching formal accession negotiations.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Vladimir Cuc, recently addressed this challenge at a public debate hosted by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms.
Cuc emphasised the importance of meticulous preparation before embarking on the negotiation process. This entails a comprehensive "screening" exercise, where the European Union meticulously compares Moldova's national legislation against its own extensive legal framework. "The upcoming legislative screening will be a rigorous and granular process," Cuc explained. "Each chapter of the EU acquis, the body of EU law, will be systematically reviewed against our progress in implementing the Association Agreement, with clear benchmarks established for further alignment."
This intricate analysis will occur concurrently with the fulfilment of three crucial remaining recommendations, all focused on solidifying Moldova's judicial system. The appointment of all members of the Superior Council of the Magistracy, the Supreme Court of Justice, and key prosecutors to designated positions are essential prerequisites before reaching the final decision stage for opening negotiations.
Timeliness is of the essence, Cuc asserted, as potential delays could impact Moldova's EU trajectory. "The European Council could potentially approve the negotiation plan with Moldova as early as March 2024," he disclosed. "However, this hinges on demonstrable progress in addressing these outstanding benchmarks."
Moldova received a historic green light from the European Council on December 14, 2023, paving the way for accession negotiations. However, translating this opportunity into reality demands a tangible commitment to upholding EU values and legal principles. Completing the remaining recommendations would not only solidify Moldova's resolve but also serve as a crucial stepping stone towards deeper integration with the European bloc.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
