Metsola: Now EU’s turn to open Moldova accession talks
The Republic of Moldova has “done its homework” in the European Union (EU) accession process, and now it is the turn of European institutions to act and open negotiations.
This message was delivered by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, during a press conference held in Chisinau on November 7, alongside President Maia Sandu.
According to the head of the European legislature, Moldova’s accession to the EU is “a reality that is happening now,” and European institutions must respond to Chisinau’s progress by opening accession talks.
Roberta Metsola stated that her visit serves as “a signal of the European Parliament's continuous support for the Republic of Moldova and its inevitable European path.”
She congratulated the Moldovan authorities and citizens for their “resilience” demonstrated against disinformation and external pressure, emphasizing that “for the third time, Moldova has chosen Europe,” referencing the results of the 2024 referendum and the latest presidential and parliamentary elections.
“Truly, the European future is no longer a dream; it is a reality that is happening now. Negotiations for your accession to the European Union are about to begin. This is the clear position of the European Parliament,” Metsola said, adding that the European Parliament’s support for Moldova “will remain absolutely steadfast.”
The European official also mentioned that the enlargement process is not “an act of charity,” but a strategic decision based on merit and determination.
“You have done your part of the work, now it is our turn to do ours. (...) The European Union Ministers, the European Union leaders must soon find solutions to initiate and open these negotiations,” Roberta Metsola declared.
The Brussels official assured that the European Parliament will continue to support the Republic of Moldova “throughout its journey towards membership in the European Union,” while Maia Sandu conveyed that this partnership is “vital for the freedom and well-being of our citizens.”
President Maia Sandu thanked Roberta Metsola for the constant support of the European Parliament and reiterated that the Republic of Moldova is ready for the next stage in its European journey.
“Your message today in the Moldovan Parliament was very clear – the European Parliament will do everything for the Republic of Moldova to become part of the European family. (...) The Enlargement Report published this week confirms that Moldova made the biggest progress among all candidate countries,” the head of state noted.
According to Maia Sandu, Chisinau is working intensely to align national legislation with the acquis communautaire, a process that involves transposing approximately 3,000 European acts into over 1,000 national acts.
“The opening of the European Parliament’s liaison office in Chisinau will help us align our legislation with the European one. (...) We will continue to work with ambition and seriousness, and we are confident that the pace will remain resolute on both sides,” Maia Sandu concluded.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova on Friday, November 7. The European official began her agenda with a speech in the Moldovan Parliament, announcing the opening of the European Parliament's permanent office in Chisinau.
Roberta Metsola, in the plenary session of the Chisinau Parliament: “Europe is Moldova. Moldova is Europe.”
In addition to meetings with Speaker Igor Grosu and President Maia Sandu, Metsola is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. Subsequently, she will participate in a public dialogue with young people, organized at the “Spiru Haret” Theoretical High School in Chisinau.
The visit of the European Parliament President to Chisinau takes place a few days after the European Commission approved the EU Enlargement Report. According to the document, the Republic of Moldova recorded the greatest leap in its readiness level for accession to the bloc in the past year.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
