Marta Kos: The European Union could approve the unofficial opening of negotiations with the Republic of Moldova
European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, announced that EU leaders might reach an agreement on Monday, December 15, to begin negotiations on membership chapters with the Republic of Moldova. This approach would follow the model already established for Ukraine. These comments were made during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, which is taking place alongside the European Affairs ministers' meeting in Lviv on December 11.
When asked if the decision regarding the unofficial opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine would also apply to the Republic of Moldova, and whether a decision on this matter could be expected, Commissioner Marta Kos confirmed that it is on today’s agenda.
“It will happen today. Yes, indeed. We will have a meeting to obtain guidance. What the European Commission needs is direction on what we can do,” the Commissioner told a correspondent from Moldova 1 TV in Brussels.
Marta Kos said that a unanimous decision from the 27 EU member states is necessary for the official opening of negotiations, which has not yet been achieved. However, this does not hinder progress on the technical aspects.
“This does not mean that we cannot do what is right. What is right is to continue with the technical side of the negotiations. This was approved last week in Lviv for Ukraine, and we hope that similar plans are in place for today for the Republic of Moldova as well,” Marta Kos added.
For Ukraine, consensus regarding the technical continuation of negotiations was reached during the informal meeting of the ministers of European Affairs in Lviv on December 11.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu told Moldova 1 that there are similar expectations for the Republic of Moldova. She emphasized Romania's strong support for Moldova's European path, acknowledging the accelerated pace of reforms in the country.
“The Republic of Moldova has fulfilled and is fulfilling, with astonishing and admirable speed, a significant portion of the technical criteria necessary to advance in negotiations on accession clusters,” stated the head of Romanian diplomacy.
According to Oana Țoiu, Romania believes that negotiations could be opened simultaneously on multiple clusters, given the progress already made. Bucharest is ready to provide support through mixed teams at both the institutional and civil society levels.
However, Oana Țoiu stressed the need for a formal decision to open negotiations. “A formal opening is essential, and we, at the governmental level, together with President Nicușor Dan, reiterate this objective and promote it across all European institutions,” the minister said.
When asked whether a clear decision on this matter could be adopted at the European Council meeting on December 18-19, Oana Țoiu noted that the topic is on the agenda and, based on current discussions, there are reasons for optimism.
