Moldova scandals risk EU entry talks, expert warns
Recent controversies surrounding Moldovan state institutions risk damaging Brussels' evaluation of the country's EU accession progress, warned Adrian Ermurachi, co-executive director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE).
Speaking on Radio Moldova, the policy expert emphasized that under Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security), Chisinau must demonstrate fully operational state institutions, rather than mere statutory alignment with EU laws. Institutional integrity under EU scrutiny
The upcoming autumn European Commission Enlargement Report will heavily weigh institutional functionality. Chapter 24, together with Chapter 23, forms the core of the EU's "Fundamentals" cluster, which determines the closing conditions for accession talks.
Ermurachi noted that European officials are closely monitoring recent governance failures, including controversies at state-owned air navigation provider Moldatsa. Public resonance over these cases has triggered detailed questioning from Brussels regarding internal state management and administrative integrity.
Restoring trust and enforcing accountability
Rebuilding public and international trust remains a crucial test for the Moldovan government. Law enforcement agencies must now deliver concrete results by investigating potential abuses and breaches of law to prove a genuine commitment to European standards.
Ermurachi warned against repeating past political missteps when Moldova lost its status as an EU success story. He urged Brussels to apply stricter scrutiny rather than unearned praise, arguing that rigorous standards are essential to keep domestic political actors accountable throughout the integration process.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
