Moldova ready for EU accession talks despite Russian pressure
The European Union has recognized Moldova's significant progress in its accession journey, confirming that all six negotiation clusters are technically ready to open.
However, Brussels warned that the pace of reform must translate into tangible court rulings and high-level corruption convictions.
The assessment was detailed in the conclusions released by the Danish Presidency of the EU Council following the General Affairs Council meeting on December 16 in Brussels.
"The Council welcomes that Moldova has successfully completed the screening process," the document stated. This confirms that Moldova's legislation aligns with EU standards across all key sectors, from financial services to environmental policy.
Resilience Amid Hybrid Threats
The EU noted that these milestones were achieved under extreme pressure. While Russia continues its war in neighboring Ukraine, Moldova has faced persistent hybrid attacks and threats to its energy security.
The Council praised Moldova's ability to maintain stable government functions and push forward key reforms despite these external shocks. European officials also formally recognized the democratic will of Moldovan citizens, who voted for EU integration in a recent referendum, despite massive foreign disinformation campaigns.
Focus on Justice and Corruption
Despite the diplomatic praise, the EU remains firm on the rule of law. Justice reform is cited as a "top priority." Specifically, the Council is calling for:
*Continued vetting of judges and prosecutors to ensure independence.
*Visible results in the fight against high-level corruption.
*Stronger institutional frameworks to prevent political interference in the legal system.
Energy Independence and Economic Growth
Moldova is also making strides in cutting ties with Russian energy. By expanding regional pipelines and power grids, the country is strengthening its energy security.
Economically, the EU reaffirmed its support through the Moldova Growth Plan. A major milestone for citizens will occur on January 1, 2026, when Moldova officially joins the "Roam like at home" regime, significantly reducing mobile costs for travelers within the EU.
The Transnistrian Issue
Addressing regional security, the European Union reaffirmed its unwavering support for Moldova's sovereignty. The Council explicitly called on the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces illegally stationed in the Transnistrian separatist region.
Next Steps
While political bottlenecks may delay the formal opening of clusters, technical negotiations are moving forward on three essential chapters. This path was confirmed by Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
Denmark currently holds the rotating EU Presidency, which will be handed over to Cyprus on January 1, 2026.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
