Brussels meeting: Dan Barna says Moldova boosts EU enlargement credibility
The Republic of Moldova plays a crucial role in enhancing the credibility and integrity of the European Union's enlargement process, says Romanian MEP Dan Barna. He believes the European Commission should maintain its technical support for Moldovan institutions. These statements were made following the 17th meeting of the Moldova-European Union Parliamentary Association Committee, held on May 5 in Brussels.
The MEP emphasized the importance of supporting the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, which is seen as a crucial tool for economic development and accelerating reforms. He stated that these concrete measures will help bring Moldova closer to European standards and strengthen its pathway towards European Union accession.
"The stakes for the coming weeks and months involve opening the first cluster, followed by the remaining five by the end of the year, so that Moldova is fully equipped, as they say, at the gates of Europe. Afterward, we will obviously also witness political gestures—coupling, decoupling, and exploring options. However, the immediate goal in the Council is to secure support for Moldova in making the necessary technical and political decisions to prepare for accession," said Dan Barna.
Marcel Spatari, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, noted that the process of European integration is now entering an accelerated implementation phase, complete with extensive reforms and clear objectives for the upcoming years. He emphasized that recent discussions focused on progress across all six negotiation clusters. Spatari highlighted that Moldova has already initiated technical negotiations in these areas, with the strategic aim of signing the accession treaty by 2028. To align with European standards, over 300 legislative projects are planned for the current year.
According to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for European Integration, Moldova boasts one of the highest absorption rates of European development and reform funds, currently at 93%. He mentioned that while the goal is to fully utilize the available funds, implementing reforms also requires financial contributions from national authorities. He acknowledged delays in some reforms, particularly in the energy sector.
"We experienced delays in some reforms that were planned for last year, including the commissioning of the High Voltage Line between Vulcănești and Chișinău, as well as the liberalization of the energy market. Both measures are expected to be implemented this year, and we will receive the related tranches for these reforms. That means that even if some reforms do not occur within the initially scheduled timeframe, we will still receive funding for them, albeit with delays, which is not ideal. However, we will not lose the funds as long as we proceed with the implementation of the reforms," explained Marcel Spatari.
The Parliamentary Association Committee of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union serves as the parliamentary forum for the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement. It consists of members appointed by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the European Parliament, meeting twice a year in Chișinău and Brussels.
