Grigore Guzun on Radio Moldova: Roadmaps can outline integration priorities for candidate countries
With Brussels' announcement of roadmaps for candidate countries, the Republic of Moldova could gain an additional tool to accelerate reforms and clarify its objectives on its path toward the European Union (EU). Foreign policy expert Grigore Guzun maintains that the new documents will clarify the priorities set for the next stage of integration.
According to the expert, the roadmap does not replace existing accession instruments; instead, it clarifies the candidate country's course of action and identifies areas requiring additional effort.
"It contains, more or less, a clear list of priorities or objectives designed to help candidate countries—or the most advanced among them—complete the necessary reforms. We must understand that this is not a legal decision, nor is it a substitute for current mechanisms. In fact, it sends a significant message that the Republic of Moldova is making rapid progress, and these roadmaps will indicate where and how the country needs to step up its efforts," the expert explained during the September 23rd show "Noi și EUropa" on Radio Moldova.
Such documents can reflect the status of reforms and outline time-bound objectives for advancing the integration process. For the Republic of Moldova, the expert believes a key milestone could be opening further negotiation clusters, building on the progress achieved so far.
"Based on the experience of other states, these roadmaps come with concrete timelines and priorities that reflect the country's progress to date. In the case of the Republic of Moldova, I believe the focus will largely be on opening the remaining negotiation clusters. Let us not forget that we opened Cluster 1 and Cluster 6 this year. I expect we will also see specific deadlines set for achieving these objectives," the expert noted.
The interviewee believes that, beyond the technical aspect, these roadmaps also possess a political dimension that could serve as a tool for mobilizing the authorities internally. "I believe we need to grasp the significance of the political message here, as these roadmaps are intended for countries that have already demonstrated a certain level of progress in implementing reforms proposed by the European Union. And yes, I think they will serve to further encourage the administration in Chișinău to carry out those reforms with clear objectives," Guzun said.
However, the expert points out that introducing a roadmap should not be interpreted as setting a specific date for the Republic of Moldova's accession to the EU.
"I think citizens need to understand that these roadmaps do not mean the Republic of Moldova is joining on a specific date. Furthermore, we have already begun integrating into the EU. For instance, we are already members of SEPA. Trade integration is already underway; we participate in various programs and have a development plan for the Republic of Moldova. So, this process is already accelerating and is on a very positive trajectory. I believe that is what matters," Grigore Guzun added.
In her speech delivered on Wednesday, September 16, in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed that "the future of the Republic of Moldova lies in the EU" and announced that Brussels would propose roadmaps for candidate countries that have made the most significant progress in the European integration process.
The Romanian MEP Dan Barna called on the European Commission to take concrete action on the EU enlargement process. The MEP emphasized that the expansion of the European Union to include new member states must be accompanied by tangible measures, rather than just roadmaps and strategies. Speaking before the European Parliament plenary, Barna also addressed Moldova's European path, noting that Ursula von der Leyen’s statements had instilled "hope and confidence" in the accession process.
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov confirmed that the decision would bring greater predictability and help set priorities for implementing reforms, though it does not aim to set a specific accession date.
