Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, has reaffirmed strong support for Moldova during her recent visit to Chișinău. She announced that Moldova is expected to be ready to initiate accession negotiations with the European Union by the end of this year. This significant development comes amidst notable reforms and advancements within the country.
Moldova’s Progress Toward EU Membership
In her address, Marta Kos highlighted the rapid pace of reforms and the resilience shown by Moldova in facing external pressures. She commended the commitment of Moldovan citizens to pursuing a European path. However, Kos emphasized that the main challenge for Chișinău will be maintaining this momentum in the following years.
Key Points from the Commissioner’s Visit
- The visit marks Kos’s fourth trip to Moldova within a year.
- It coincided with the establishment of a new Parliament and Government.
- Kos noted that Moldova had the fastest screening process and the most substantial yearly progress among candidate countries.
- She reiterated that the goal is to complete negotiations potentially by 2028, with ratification by 2029.
Marta Kos remarked, “Towards the end of the year, you will be ready to start negotiations. What a success!” This acknowledgment reflects Moldova’s ongoing transformation and enhanced standards in areas such as justice, anti-corruption measures, and monetary policy independence.
Statements from Premier Alexandru Munteanu
Alexandru Munteanu, Moldova’s Prime Minister, welcomed the Commissioner and reinforced the government’s readiness to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027. He asserted that Moldova has accelerated its progress in various sectors, including justice, economy, and digitalization.
“Our home is in Europe, and we are bringing Europe home,” Munteanu stated, highlighting the nation’s commitment to European integration.
Looking Ahead: Implementing Reforms
Marta Kos also pointed out that 2026 must be a year of genuine implementation of reforms rather than mere compliance. The focus areas include justice, anti-corruption, and independence of the National Bank. She asserted that Moldova has demonstrated its commitment to Europe through five elections and a referendum.
In her discussions, Kos acknowledged Russian efforts to divert Moldova from its European path but noted that the strength of the Moldovan people has thwarted these attempts. She also announced the upcoming initiative, “Shield of Democracy,” aimed at safeguarding democracies within the EU and candidate states, including Moldova.
Conclusion
The visit by Marta Kos serves as a pivotal moment for Moldova, as it continues to garner recognition from Brussels for its reform progress. While the opening of negotiations is contingent on the consensus of EU member states, the support from both the EU and Moldovan leadership signals a promising path forward for the nation.
