Metsola to visit Moldova for key EU accession talks amid Ukraine-Hungary dispute
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will visit Moldova on 6 and 7 November to discuss the country’s EU accession, the nation's parliamentary speaker, Igor Grosu, announced.
Mr Grosu said talks during her visit would focus on the start of formal EU accession negotiations for Moldova.
“We will host her in Parliament. She will definitely deliver a speech in the plenary session of the Parliament. And, obviously, we will also discuss these aspects of the actual opening of the negotiations,” Mr Grosu told the Moldova 1 public broadcaster.
The official added that joining the EU would give the country additional security and stability guarantees.
“Any EU member state, regardless of whether it is part of a military bloc or is neutral, benefits from more security. This sends a very good and positive signal for investors as it gives them greater certainty of financial resources and large investments,” he said.
The speaker also said authorities in Chisinau want the accession talks to start "very quickly". He cited a statement from European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, who said Moldova was ready to begin negotiations for "all six chapters".
Mr Grosu insists it would be logical for Moldova to begin EU accession talks simultaneously with Ukraine, but said the process was being delayed by Hungary's opposition to Kyiv's bid to join the bloc.
“I know a solution is being sought. Consensus is needed among EU member states,” he added.
Marta Kos announced in September that Moldova had completed the screening process of its national legislation against that of the European Union. The next step is the opening of the first negotiation cluster, named "Fundamentals of Accession to the European Union," which targets the rule of law, governance, and fundamental rights.
Separately, European Council President António Costa announced the EU would open Moldova's pre-accession procedure after parliamentary elections later this autumn.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
