Cyprus President in Chisinau: Opening EU negotiation chapters with Moldova is a priority of Cyprus’ EU presidency
The primary goal of the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the European Union is to officially open the negotiation chapters with the Republic of Moldova, beginning with Cluster I on Fundamental Values. This was stated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, during a press conference held in Chisinau alongside the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
The Cypriot leader emphasized that the enlargement of the European Union is "a geopolitical necessity" and recognized the remarkable progress made by the Republic of Moldova in its accession process.
The authorities in Nicosia aim to open the first negotiation chapters as early as June, starting with Cluster I, which focuses on the rule of law, judicial reform, and fundamental rights.
According to Christodoulides, Cyprus has been collaborating closely with the Republic of Moldova and European Commission officials to finalize the technical preparations necessary for the opening of negotiations.
"This chapter is, in fact, the backbone of the accession negotiations. It concerns the rule of law, justice reform, and fundamental rights. I am confident that, with our joint efforts, we will achieve this goal. Enlargement is a merit-based process, and if candidate countries like the Republic of Moldova deliver results, we, the European Union, must honor our promises. In parallel with these negotiations, we are focused on delivering results that will make an immediate impact on the citizens of the Republic of Moldova," said Nikos Christodoulides.
Cyprus' accession to the European Union in 2004 represented "the most significant national project" in the modern history of the state, contributing to the modernization of the economy, an increase in living standards, and the strengthening of security, as emphasized by the President of Cyprus.
"This is the clear future that the Republic of Moldova has ahead of it. It is a future that we are working together to make a reality, and I am confident that we will succeed. We have acted decisively to achieve this common goal since the Republic of Moldova obtained candidate status in June 2022. Since then, the country has made remarkable progress, which is clear evidence of its commitment," stated the Cypriot official.
He also announced that bilateral relations between Chișinău and Nicosia are set to deepen. According to him, negotiations for a social security agreement between the two states have already begun, and in the near future, other agreements that will facilitate air connectivity, the movement of people, and business development will be finalized.
Moldova's accession to the European Union represents "the most important national project since independence" and is regarded as "a survival strategy" in a regional context marked by threats to states' sovereignty, declared President Maia Sandu.
The Republic of Moldova is prepared for the official opening of negotiations on chapters and is continuing reforms in justice, energy security, and the consolidation of the rule of law.
"A stronger, more stable, more democratic Moldova, anchored in the European family, is also in the interest of Europe, as it will strengthen regional security and consolidate the Union's eastern border. On May 9, 1950, Robert Schumann stated that Europe will not be built all at once but through concrete achievements that create a de facto solidarity. The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU and the steps we are taking in this direction are exactly those concrete achievements that confirm the European promise for those who strive for it," declared Maia Sandu.
At the same time, the head of state expressed gratitude to the Cypriot president for supporting the Republic of Moldova's European path and for choosing to celebrate Europe Day in Chișinău alongside Moldovan citizens.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, is making an official visit to the Republic of Moldova on May 9, at the invitation of President Maia Sandu. This marks the first bilateral visit of a Cypriot president to the Republic of Moldova.
