The European Union has invited Moldova to begin discussions on negotiating the first cluster of chapters in the accession process. Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov published the document informing the authorities in Chisinau about the launch of the procedures.
In a letter signed by representatives of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the EU states that, “following the assessment of the fulfilment of the opening benchmarks for Cluster 1 – Fundamentals, the European Union considers that the Republic of Moldova is currently sufficiently prepared, at this stage, to begin negotiations on Cluster 1.”
“For us, this moment means continuing the work we started at home: implementing reforms, aligning with European standards, and preparing for the official opening of all negotiating clusters.
In the coming days, discussions will continue at the Council level to finalize the process that will allow the formal opening of the first negotiation cluster,” Cristina Gherasimov wrote alongside the document.
Moldova submitted its application for EU membership in 2022 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Brussels has repeatedly praised the reforms carried out in Chisinau and has reaffirmed its support for Moldova’s European path.