European Commission ready to open environmental cluster talks with Moldova as reforms continue
The green transition is one of the most complex challenges that the Republic of Moldova must address in its bid to join the European Union (EU). The European Commission (EC) has announced its commitment to supporting the Moldovan government in launching negotiations on Chapter 27, which focuses on the Environment and Climate Change. This support will include both expertise and financial assistance.
“We believe that the green transition and all environmental actions serve as the compass guiding the Republic of Moldova on its journey towards the European Union. These actions should not merely be taken to fulfill certain commitments but should benefit all of society and enhance resilience,” stated Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy, during a press conference on June 29 in Chisinau. She was joined by Gheorghe Hajder, the Minister of the Environment.
The European Commissioner commended Moldova's commitment to environmental reforms and assured that the EU would support the country in implementing necessary changes in this field.
“We are prepared to assist the Republic of Moldova through the Growth Plan, which amounts to 1.9 billion euros, aimed at facilitating and accelerating green projects. This is a challenging area, particularly chapter 27 of this process. We acknowledge the many obstacles on the path to EU accession, but the European Union remains fully committed to this journey,” emphasized Jessika Roswall.
The European Commission has emphasized that the Government must also actively pursue financing for green projects, particularly those aimed at rehabilitating treatment plants, improving water quality, and managing solid waste.
“This initiative requires significant investment and time for successful implementation. While the Commission is here to assist, securing funding also depends on contributions from various sources, including internal resources, the private sector, and cooperative partnerships. It is crucial that these reforms are genuinely put into action,” concluded the Commissioner.
During the same conference, the Minister of the Environment, Gheorghe Hajder, affirmed that the green transition is now more than just an environmental goal. He concurred with the European official that resilience and sustainability are essential.
“We are committed to accelerating the transposition of European environmental legislation. For us, this process is not merely about adhering to technical rules; it is vital that everyone understands and embraces the new standards. Our objective is clear: to ensure safer water, cleaner air, and high-quality public services,” stated the Minister of the Environment.
Additionally, Gheorghe Hajder outlined the areas where reforms will be undertaken.
“We are highlighting the importance of investing in green infrastructure and modern monitoring systems. The Republic of Moldova needs sustainable solutions for rivers, forests, lakes, waste management, and protected natural areas. We will continue with the National Afforestation Program, enhance waste management practices, transition to a circular economy, prepare the landfill system for 2027, and pursue many other initiatives,” the Minister from Chisinau listed.
In the context of the spring crisis on the Nistru, Hajder wanted to thank the EU for the support provided, saying that that case showed that, for the Republic of Moldova, water is no longer just an environmental issue, but a security need.
Finally, the minister pointed out that the Republic of Moldova still needs expertise and practice to maintain the pace of the reforms undertaken, so that it would be possible to open negotiations for Cluster IV.
“We greatly appreciate the support already offered by the EU through important projects in the field of air quality, climate resilience, green transition and international consolidation. We are ready for the opening of Cluster IV and we know that an equally complex path lies ahead, but the most important thing is that the Republic of Moldova has strong partners and a clear determination. We want the future of the Republic of Moldova's economy to be green, modern and European”, concluded the Minister of Environment.
On June 29, the first Green Finance and Investment Forum Moldova was held in Chisinau, bringing together representatives of the Government, financial institutions, the business community, and development partners. Participants discussed the available financing instruments, public policies in the field and how companies can make the transition to a more sustainable activity.
On June 15, the European Union opened accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova on the first group of chapters – “Fundamental Values”.
Formal negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to the European Union were launched simultaneously. Both states submitted their applications for accession in 2022 and obtained the status of candidate countries in the same year, shortly after the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The accession process is structured in 33 chapters, grouped into six clusters. The first cluster, dedicated to the rule of law, democratic institutions, and the functioning of the economy, is, by convention, the first to open and the last to close in any European Union accession process.
