MEP Victor Negrescu: "Moldova could start EU talks by year’s end"
Romanian MEP Victor Negrescu stated that the Republic of Moldova could advance to the next stage of the European Union accession process by the end of this year. He noted that 55 members of the European Parliament from 19 different member states have signed a letter to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa. The letter requests that the topic of initiating negotiations on chapters with the Republic of Moldova be included in the Council's agenda.
"We considered that, after the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova and the wave of sympathy expressed by European leaders, Europe needed to provide a concrete response. That is why we initiated this letter, which was sent to the President of the European Council," Victor Negrescu declared on TVR Moldova.
According to the MEP, an essential step is access to pre-accession funds, which are to be included in the future multiannual budget of the European Union, starting in 2028.
"The Republic of Moldova has fulfilled its obligations so far. The legislation has been screened, and the authorities in Chisinau know exactly what reforms are needed in the next stage," Negrescu said.
The official mentioned that the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, would be open to the idea of reforming the voting system within the EU, by moving from unanimity to majority voting, to avoid blockages similar to those encountered in the case of Ukraine.
"This is a crucial moment not only for the Republic of Moldova, but also for the European Union, which must send a message of consistency and solidarity towards a country that has clearly reaffirmed its pro-European commitment," the MEP stressed.
Victor Negrescu identified two priority directions that the Moldovan authorities should follow in the coming period: economic reform and justice reform.
On the economic front, he stressed the importance of transposing European legislation, which would create a stable and predictable environment for investors and local entrepreneurs.
*"This will allow the Republic of Moldova to access the common market and benefit from European funds dedicated to economic convergence and local development," Negrescu said.
Regarding justice, the MEP drew attention to the fact that European standards must not only be transposed, but also rigorously applied. “Romania and Bulgaria have gone through similar difficulties, with a special mechanism of cooperation and verification, which I hope the Republic of Moldova will avoid,”* the official added.
Victor Negrescu recalled that the negotiation process would be complex and would require specialists for each chapter, ranging from consumer protection and the environment to agriculture and justice. Still, he expressed confidence that the technical support of the member states, especially Romania, will facilitate the European path of the Republic of Moldova.
