Moldova prepares for EU talks, seeks public approval
Moldovan President Maia Sandu met EU Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks on Thursday to chart the next steps in their European Union accession bid, Presidency of the Republic of Moldova reports.
This comes after the December 2023 decision by the European Council to open negotiations with Moldova, a significant milestone for the country's westward trajectory.
The discussion focused on key hurdles ahead:
- Compliance analysis: Evaluating how closely Moldovan law aligns with EU standards.
- Negotiating framework: Finalising the structure and guidelines for formal accession talks.
- Reform implementation: Fully enacting recommendations put forth by the European Commission.
President Sandu emphasised the crucial role of public engagement, highlighting the upcoming autumn referendum where Moldovans will directly express their desire to join the EU.
This news arrives amid a complex geopolitical landscape:
- Regional tensions: The ongoing war in Ukraine casts a shadow, underlining Moldova's security concerns and its perceived need for closer EU ties.
- Domestic dynamics: Moldova faces internal challenges, with some political forces potentially holding reservations about swift EU integration.
Despite these complexities, the meeting between Sandu and Mažeiks signals Moldova's determination to press forward with its EU aspirations. The upcoming referendum will be a crucial test of public support and a potential turning point in the country's future.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
