The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted its annual report on the Republic of Moldova, calling on EU member states to open all remaining accession negotiation clusters without delay. The report was approved with 505 votes in favor, 115 against, and 45 abstentions.
In the report, Members of the European Parliament welcome Moldova’s progress in the EU accession process despite domestic challenges and attempts by the Russian Federation to interfere in the country’s affairs. They also urge the Council of the European Union to accelerate accession negotiations while continuing to apply the merit-based approach.
“The European Parliament considers the Republic of Moldova to be a frontrunner in the accession process, and we should reward this progress by accelerating the negotiation process,” said Siegfried Muresan, noting that the report incorporates amendments he and other MEPs submitted calling for the opening of all remaining negotiation clusters.
The document states that the formal launch of accession negotiations recognizes the reforms implemented by Moldova and stresses that the process should not be blocked or delayed because of bilateral issues.
MEPs also commend the country’s progress in judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts, as highlighted by the European Commission, while emphasizing that the authorities should continue reducing the influence of oligarchs in political, economic, and media life.
The report further condemns repeated attempts by the Russian Federation to destabilize Moldova and interfere in its democratic processes. In response, the European Parliament calls on the EU and its member states to strengthen financial and technical assistance aimed at enhancing Moldova’s institutional resilience, cybersecurity, independent media, and strategic communications.
On the economic and energy fronts, MEPs welcome Moldova’s growing integration into the EU Single Market and the authorities’ plans to eliminate the country’s dependence on Russian energy resources.
The report also reiterates the European Parliament’s support for Moldova’s territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, calling on Russia to withdraw all its troops, military equipment, and ammunition from the region.