Moldova starts negotiations on two chapter groups in Luxembourg. Maia Sandu: "We're closer to EU accession"
A decisive step on the Republic of Moldova's European path! Our country has opened 24 of the 33 negotiation chapters with the European Union. According to the Moldovan president Maia Sandu, negotiations on the Internal Market and Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth clusters are officially launching in Luxembourg on October 13.
Thus, according to the head of state, the Republic of Moldova is moving "ever closer to joining the European Union."
Maia Sandu invited the officials involved in the Republic of Moldova's accession process to the EU bloc to the Presidency and thanked them for their work.
"Behind this progress lies the work of hundreds of people who have been working tirelessly for several years to prepare the Republic of Moldova for EU accession. They include leaders and officials from ministries and public agencies—guided by the team at the Bureau for European Integration—who are harmonizing legislation, preparing reforms, and negotiating accession chapters. Their work is not always visible or appreciated, yet it is largely thanks to their efforts that we have managed to advance so far in such a short time. I spoke with some of them today and thanked them for their hard work. We still have much to do, and I continue to rely on the professionalism and perseverance of everyone involved. Congratulations, and let us press on with the same determination!" Maia Sandu stated in a message posted on her Facebook page.
Following the opening of negotiations for Cluster 1 – Fundamental Values, on June 15, and Cluster 6 – External Relations, on July 14, the Republic of Moldova is set to begin negotiations for two more clusters: Cluster 2 – Internal Market, covering areas such as employment, recognition of diplomas and trade, and Cluster 3 – Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth, which includes digitalization, research and taxation.
Together, these two clusters cover 17 of the 33 negotiating chapters.
The Intergovernmental Conference is scheduled to start at 21:00 Moldova time, followed by a joint press conference at 22:00. The speakers will include Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne.
The event will be broadcast live on public television channel Moldova 1.
According to the Bureau for European Integration, opening negotiations on Clusters 2 and 3 is important because these areas directly affect people's everyday lives, from access to decent jobs and fair wages to quality education, safe products and a business environment governed by clear rules.
