Experts: Moldova is at a key stage in its EU accession, backed by EU leaders
The Republic of Moldova is entering a crucial political phase in its European integration process, with prospects appearing clearer than ever. This viewpoint is shared by Iulian Groza, the executive director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms. He highlighted that our country is enjoying a political consensus among EU member states concerning the opening of accession negotiations. Additionally, Romanian political analyst Cătălin Gabriel Done emphasized that the member states are eager to maintain the momentum of enlargement, especially in light of the unstable geopolitical situation caused by the war in Ukraine.
We are on the verge of crucial decisions that will initiate negotiations on the first cluster—fundamental values. This represents a significant political moment and marks the actual beginning of negotiations on the various chapters. In the enlargement process, this will be the second-to-last opportunity for discussions to occur at the level of the 27 member states. From this point onward, each country will progress at its own pace, depending on its performance.
The expert highlighted that while Ukraine faces opposition from Hungary, the Republic of Moldova does not encounter similar blockages, providing Chișinău with a historic opportunity.
"This is the first time Moldova has a clear perspective for accession. We have support from Brussels, including investments aimed at economic convergence and institutional consolidation. The Republic of Moldova is the only country within the enlargement package that enjoys total political consensus among the EU member states. It is understood in the capital of each member state that Moldova has a genuine chance."
Despite geopolitical challenges, the European Union serves as a shield of security, and the Republic of Moldova is viewed as a reliable partner. The expert warned that the future Parliament of Moldova will have a strategic mission. "The deputies elected this fall must fully support the reforms. A pro-European majority is necessary to accelerate the transposition of European legislation. Now, everything depends on us—on the Government, Parliament, and also on the citizens," concluded Groza.
Romanian political analyst Cătălin Gabriel Done believes that the Republic of Moldova currently has a historic opportunity for accession, emphasizing that diplomacy is essential for creating a sustainable European partnership.
"The presence of Maia Sandu at the Congress of the European People's Party sends a strong signal about the geopolitical landscape of the European continent. It represents a strategic indication of Moldova's repositioning on the political map of the European Union. This summit set the political direction for the coming years, both within the EU and regarding enlargement. Sweden is a fundamental pillar of European security and a crucial ally in supporting Moldova's European journey."
However, the analyst pointed out a sensitive issue: the potential "decoupling" of the Republic of Moldova from Ukraine in the accession process. While this scenario could allow Chișinău to integrate more rapidly, it also poses strategic risks.
"The positions of Moldova and Ukraine are vastly different within the political architecture of the European Union. Moldova enjoys clear political consensus among the member states, which must be leveraged. This scenario is undesirable because if Moldova decouples, it would then become the external border of the EU, which would require even greater efforts to stabilize and protect its border."
May 1st marks the 21st anniversary of the largest wave of enlargement in the European Union, known as the Big Bang enlargement. This event saw the accession of ten countries: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Cyprus, and Malta, into the European community.
The Republic of Moldova is one of nine countries with candidate status for EU membership. Following a positive opinion from the European Council in December 2023, Moldova is preparing to open accession negotiations. In March of last year, the European Commission released a review of reforms and policies regarding enlargement. As a result, candidate countries may enjoy certain advantages similar to those of EU member states in specific sectors, even prior to full accession. Accession negotiations were officially opened in June 2024. Subsequently, the European Commission announced that both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova had met the necessary conditions to initiate EU accession negotiations.
