During the meeting between Ghenadie Marian, head of the Office for European Integration (IEO), and a Swedish delegation from the Department for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Reform Support Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, visiting Chisinau, the main topics discussed were the strengthening of IEO’s capacities and competences, as well as institutional efforts in the process of Moldova’s accession to the European Union.
Officials in Stockholm stated that Sweden fully supports Moldova’s European course and that Moldova is part of Sweden’s regional development strategy. On 7 March, Katarina Martholm Fired, Ambassador of Sweden in Chisinau, attended the meeting along with Axel Lundell, Secretary II at the Embassy.
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Thus, the parties discussed the need to enhance the institutional capacities of the IEO, including human and financial resources. They also addressed the requirements of working groups for the involvement of foreign experts to facilitate the harmonization of national legislation with that of the European Union during negotiations.
Ghenadie Marian noted that the Office’s current activities focus on coordinating the implementation of actions necessary to move towards opening accession negotiations and finalizing the inter-institutional coordination mechanism of the European integration process and the structure of the negotiating team. “The Office for European Integration requires assistance to fulfil its institutional duties, and Sweden’s contribution would be greatly valued,” said the IEO Chief.
Daniel Johansson Arhem, the Head of the Reform Support Unit, commended Moldova for its progress in implementing the necessary reforms that led to the European Council’s positive decision in December 2023 to initiate EU accession negotiations. In this context, the official said that Sweden shares Moldova’s hopes to have the first Intergovernmental Conference during Belgium’s EU Council Presidency.