Moldova and EU discuss next steps in accession process
Moldovan President Maia Sandu and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the next steps in Moldova's accession process to the European Union in a phone call on Monday, the Moldovan Presidency announced.
The two leaders discussed the progress Moldova has made in implementing the reforms necessary to join the EU, as well as the challenges the country faces.
Sandu thanked von der Leyen for the EU's support for Moldova's accession process and for the Commission's recommendation to the European Council to open accession negotiations. She reaffirmed Moldova's commitment to continuing the reforms.
In December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova, following a recommendation from the European Commission. The negotiations will be divided into 35 chapters, each of which will need to be successfully completed before Moldova can join the EU.
In the meantime, the European Council will adopt annual conclusions to assess Moldova's progress on its accession path. In the most recent conclusions, adopted in December 2023, the Council welcomed Moldova's substantial progress in meeting the objectives of its candidate status, despite the challenges posed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
To continue to advance on its accession path, Moldova will need to make further reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, justice, and fundamental rights.
Moldova submitted its application for EU membership on March 4, 2022, along with Ukraine and Georgia.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
