Moldova has begun negotiations to join the EU, but questions about the timing remain open. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in an interview with NewsMaker, explained whether Brussels considers Moldova and Ukraine as a single “package”, what they think about the rights of national minorities in the context of EU enlargement, and whether Transnistria and Gagauzia can become an obstacle to the country’s path to the European Union. In addition, Metsola answered a question about discussions around the unification of Moldova with Romania and a possible “Plan B” in case the EU accession process is delayed.
“This process is unique to each candidate country.”
— Moldova and Ukraine were considered until the last moment as a single package in the process of European integration — for obvious reasons of solidarity and regional security. Following the official opening of the negotiation clusters, do the European Commission and Member States view Moldova and Ukraine as two separate accession trajectories, judged solely on their own progress and reforms? Or is there still a risk that the situation in one country will influence the pace of negotiations in another, including in the next stages of the accession process?
— We welcome the fact that EU member states have given the green light to the start of negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the European Union. This is what the European Parliament stood for, because we know: your future is firmly linked to the European Union. You can count on the support of the European Parliament at every step of your journey to membership.
This process is unique to each candidate country and is based on specific reforms that bring the country closer to the European Union. It is not a race, but a merit-based journey that progresses stage by stage and culminates in EU membership.
Let me also pay tribute to the determination and commitment of President Maia Sandu, who, despite the most difficult circumstances, continues to confidently lead the country towards our Union, demonstrating firmness, clear vision and unwavering determination. And I am sure that it will not be long before Moldovan MEPs take their seats in the European Parliament.
— In recent days, in addition to the issue of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, information has appeared that Bulgaria may also require additional guarantees of respect for the rights of ethnic minorities in the context of accession negotiations. Moldova is also home to a significant Bulgarian community, especially in the south of the country, and the issue of minority protection remains sensitive, including in discussions about administrative-territorial reform and local community representation. How can the European Union draw the line between legitimate protection of minority rights and the risk of such issues becoming additional conditions or tools to block the enlargement process?
— The protection of minorities is one of the values that underpins the European Union. It is reflected in the Copenhagen criteria, which every country must fulfill to join our Union. These criteria embody what we stand for: democracy, freedom, the rule of law, equality and respect for human rights. Every country that aspires to be part of our community undertakes to align its system with these values.
The process of expansion is not simply a matter of fulfilling formal requirements on a list. This is a common path to a shared future. The European Parliament will work with all candidate countries and support them along this path, sharing experiences, promoting cooperation and helping to strengthen institutions and ensure respect for fundamental rights. This is what expansion is all about – becoming stronger together.
“Moldova itself must determine its future”
— In Moldova, the idea of unification with Romania is periodically discussed. It has recently been reintroduced as a possible “Plan B” if EU accession is blocked or delayed too long. For some it is a historical and identity project, for others it is a topic that can polarize society and increase anxiety among minorities and residents of vulnerable regions. From the point of view of the European Parliament, can such discussions be considered a legitimate form of political pressure on the EU? Or is it, on the contrary, a signal that the enlargement policy risks losing credibility if it does not offer Moldova a sufficiently clear prospect and timetable for accession?
— Moldova must determine its own future. Last month, I had the pleasure of welcoming President Maia Sandu to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where she was awarded the European Order of Merit, dedicated to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and their continued commitment to the country’s European path. Despite ongoing attempts to divide and destabilize society, including through disinformation campaigns, Moldovan citizens continue to choose a European future. We see and feel this determination. And my message to all these citizens is this: we are with you.
There is progress, and the Republic of Moldova is getting closer to our Single Market. Today you are already part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the Roam Like at Home space, and we will continue to integrate your economy. And now, with the official start of negotiations on the first chapters, another important milestone has been reached. We will continue to move forward so that Moldovan citizens truly feel what EU membership will mean for their daily lives.
To ensure sufficient support for all candidate countries in this process, the European Parliament calls for the necessary funds to be included in the Union’s long-term budget. Because we know: by investing in your European future today, we are investing in a stronger Union for all tomorrow.
— In Moldova, European integration is not only a technical process of reform, but also a test of the country’s internal stability. On the one hand, there remains the Transnistrian conflict – an unresolved issue with the presence of Russian troops and the lack of effective control of Chisinau over the region. On the other is Gagauzia, which has legislatively enshrined autonomy, where political and identity contradictions are becoming increasingly noticeable and can be used by anti-European forces. How does the European Parliament perceive these two vulnerabilities: as real obstacles to membership or as problems that can be addressed in parallel with the European integration process without blocking Moldova’s progress?
— The European Parliament fully supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova. And we will always help candidate countries throughout the process to resolve conflicts, overcome challenges and maintain momentum. Together we turn ambition into achievements that strengthen both sides.
The interview was conducted in writing: NM conveyed the questions and received answers to them.
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