Moldova Eyes EU Entry by 2030: Talks Begin
On June 21, 2024, President Maia Sandu signed a decree initiating negotiations on Moldova's accession to the European Union (EU).
This follows Moldova's fulfilment of all recommendations outlined by the European Commission. Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, was appointed as Moldova's chief negotiator for the EU accession process.
Two years after obtaining candidate country status, Moldova will hold its first Intergovernmental Conference with the EU on June 25th. This conference marks the official commencement of accession negotiations. The tireless efforts of countless individuals across Moldovan state institutions have been crucial to the country's modernization endeavours, all undertaken with the goal of achieving EU membership by 2030.
President Sandu emphasised that EU membership represents the sole path towards securing lasting peace, prosperity, and a better quality of life for all Moldovan citizens. In an upcoming fall referendum, Moldovans will decide on the country's future development trajectory and the legacy they leave for generations to come.
President Sandu expressed her gratitude to the government for its work and extended well wishes to the Moldovan delegation that will represent the country in Luxembourg at the official launch of EU accession negotiations.
Moldova submitted its application for EU membership on March 3, 2022. Less than a year later, the European Commission issued its opinion on Moldova's membership application. Subsequently, on June 23, 2022, the European Council granted Moldova candidate country status. Following Moldova's fulfilment of the European Commission's recommendations, EU leaders decided in December 2023 to open accession negotiations with Moldova. The European Council was also invited to adopt the negotiation framework upon completion of the relevant steps outlined in the Commission's report.
The first intergovernmental conference, signifying the formal launch of EU accession negotiations for both Moldova and Ukraine, is scheduled for June 25th. Moldovan officials and analysts concur that 2030 is a realistic target year for Moldova to achieve full membership within the EU bloc.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
