Moldova Starts EU Journey: Justice Takes Lead
Moldova officially began its journey towards EU membership on February 7th, with the "Justice" chapter taking centre stage, according to Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov.
This initial phase follows the historic December 2023 decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations. Over the next four months, intensive scrutiny of Moldova's legal framework will commence, focusing on alignment with EU standards.
"The first chapter with which we begin the evaluation is justice," Gherasimov emphasised. "With it, the negotiations start and end. The speed with which we approach the EU depends on the cleansing of the justice system and upholding the rule of law."
A two-pronged approach is underway. Moldova is conducting a self-assessment of its legislation, while the European Commission will undertake its own "screening" process. This dual review will determine the extent of legal adjustments needed for harmonisation.
Gherasimov acknowledged the critical role Parliament will play in this process, highlighting the need for aligning national legislation with European norms. She noted that while self-assessment efforts haven't been finalised, the upcoming Commission screening will provide a clearer picture of the legislative gaps that need to be addressed.
The Deputy Prime Minister also announced the establishment of the European Integration Bureau as the central hub for coordinating internal efforts. This body will house specialised divisions focusing on implementing EU regulations, communication and training, and translation services.
Moldova's EU aspirations began in March 2022 with an official membership application. Candidate status followed in June, culminating in the December 2023 green light for negotiations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
