Moldova opens new EU negotiation chapters: Benefits of Clusters 2 and 3 for citizens and businesses
The opening of negotiations for Clusters 2 and 3 targets areas that directly affect citizens' lives—decent jobs, fair incomes, quality education, safe products, and a business environment based on clear rules. These are the key benefits of the two negotiation packages our country will launch on Tuesday, October 13, at the Republic of Moldova–European Union Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg.
After opening negotiations this summer for Clusters 1 and 6—Fundamental Values (on June 15) and External Relations (on July 14), respectively—the Republic of Moldova is set to open negotiations in a few hours for Clusters 2 and 3 as well: Internal Market: labor, recognition of diplomas, and trade and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth: digitalization, research, and taxation.
These last two clusters comprise 17 of the 33 negotiation chapters.
The Intergovernmental Conference will begin at 21:00 (Moldova time). A joint press conference is scheduled for 22:00, featuring the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov; the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos; and the Irish Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
The public television station Moldova 1 will broadcast the event live.
Below, we outline the benefits that each group of chapters will bring to the citizens and companies of the Republic of Moldova:
Cluster 2 – Internal Market: labor, recognition of diplomas, and trade
This group comprises nine negotiation chapters and aims to prepare the Republic of Moldova for integration and full participation in the EU internal market, based on common rules and standards. The Republic of Moldova will commit to aligning its national legislation and standards with European ones in areas such as product safety; the free movement of workers, goods, services, and capital; consumer protection; competition; financial services; and public health.
As a result, citizens and companies will benefit from:
increased employment and business opportunities within EU states;
recognition of professional qualifications, in accordance with European regulations;
protection of social rights, including pension rights for individuals working in multiple countries;
safer products and enhanced consumer protection;
safer banking and financial services;
access for Moldovan companies to a market of over 450 million consumers, more predictable rules, and greater investment opportunities.
Cluster 3 – Competitiveness and inclusive growth: digitalization, research, and taxation
Cluster 3 comprises eight negotiating chapters and aims to develop a more competitive economy that creates better-paid jobs and improves citizens' living standards.
It covers areas such as digital transformation, taxation, economic and monetary policy, employment, industry, research, education, culture, and customs.
Benefits for citizens and entrepreneurs:
more employment opportunities and better working conditions;
stronger social protection and respect for workers' rights;
quality education and more opportunities for skills development;
more efficient digital public services and a safer online environment;
increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises, investment, and innovation;
industrial modernization and the development of research;
more efficient customs procedures that will facilitate trade with EU states.
The negotiation phase is the process through which the Republic of Moldova commits to reforms, demonstrating progress in aligning its national legislation with European law.
In other words, this stage outlines the measures and timelines the Government commits to to prepare its legislation and institutions for EU membership, and identifies areas that need more time to adjust.
Consequently, through these committed reforms, the Republic of Moldova is preparing its economy and institutions for participation in the European market, aiming to ensure that citizens and companies enjoy the same rights and opportunities as those in other member states.
The authorities' plan is for the Republic of Moldova to join the EU by 2030.
