EU accession

EU Opens Talks with Moldova on Membership

Romania warmly welcomes the European Union's (EU) decision to launch accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova.

These talks will commence within the framework of an intergovernmental conference scheduled for June 25 in Luxembourg. According to Romania's Foreign Minister, Luminița Odobescu, this development marks a significant and irreversible step towards Moldova's eventual EU membership.

During a meeting of foreign ministers from the 27 EU member states, Odobescu also called for a coordinated EU strategy regarding the Black Sea region, highlighting the current security concerns.

"We commend the organisation of tomorrow's intergovernmental conference with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, which officially marks the beginning of negotiations with the European Union," stated Romanian Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu. "This conference will set both Ukraine and Moldova on the irreversible path towards EU membership."

Underscoring the critical security situation in the region, the Romanian Foreign Minister emphasised the need for a strategic approach to the Black Sea and continued military support for Ukraine.

"The security situation remains precarious this summer, making continued military assistance to Ukraine essential," Odobescu remarked. "Romania has pledged to donate a Patriot air defence system. Additionally, it is crucial to swiftly reach an agreement on implementing the European Peace Facility. This would allow funds generated from frozen Russian assets to be used to provide military support to Ukraine."

The foreign ministers of the EU member states also discussed recent developments in Georgia, particularly the adoption of the "law on foreign agents" by the Georgian legislature.

It is worth recalling that on June 25, 2024, the 27 EU member states confirmed their decision to open accession negotiations with both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. This announcement was made on June 21 by the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council.

The Republic of Moldova formally applied for EU membership on March 3, 2022. Less than a year later, the European Commission issued its official opinion on the application.

On June 23, 2022, the European Council granted Moldova candidate status. Following Moldova's fulfilment of the European Commission's recommendations, EU leaders decided in December 2023 to initiate accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova. The Council was then invited to adopt the negotiating framework upon completion of the relevant steps outlined in the Commission's report.

In mid-December 2023, the heads of state and government of the European Union paved the way for accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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