Moldova poised for EU membership, timing remains under scrutiny
MEP Siegfried Mureșan has expressed his hope for the European Union to initiate accession talks with Moldova before the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
He believes this timing would optimise the process, avoiding potential delays due to post-election reorganisation within the European Parliament.
"Ideally, negotiations should begin before the elections," Mureșan stated. "This would allow representatives from the European Commission and Moldovan authorities to focus on technical discussions in the latter half of the year."
The European Council's decision in December to greenlight accession talks for Moldova marked a significant milestone in the country's EU aspirations. However, Mureșan emphasised the necessity of completing three remaining key reforms recommended by the European Commission before formal negotiations can commence.
"Moldova has successfully emerged from the influence of the Russian Federation," Mureșan declared. "The past two years have witnessed an unprecedented pace of reforms, particularly in crucial areas like justice, anti-corruption, and money laundering."
He attributed this progress to Moldova's unwavering commitment to EU integration and its determination to shed the legacy of Russian influence.
The European Commission is currently preparing the framework for Moldova's accession talks, requiring a unanimous approval from the European Council before implementation. Once ratified, an intergovernmental conference between Moldovan authorities and the Commission will officially kick off the negotiation process.
Despite optimism surrounding the future of Moldova's EU bid, potential headwinds remain. Mureșan's call for pre-election talks underscores the importance of maintaining momentum and avoiding disruptions in the negotiation timeline.
The continued implementation of recommended reforms and unwavering political will in Moldova will be crucial for ensuring a smooth transition towards EU membership. As the country pushes forward on its reform agenda, its progress will be closely monitored by both supporters and sceptics of its European aspirations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
