Moldova is ready to open negotiations of all negotiation clusters on accession to the European Union. President Maia Sandu announced this after at a meeting of the European Council they did not support the “accelerated” start of negotiations on European integration of Moldova and Ukraine. The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, reiterated that the progress of candidate countries depends on their own achievements.
Answering the question whether she was disappointed with the decision of the European Council, Maia Sandu clarified that from a technical point of view, Moldova is fully ready for the next stage of negotiations.
“From a technical point of view, we are ready to open all negotiation clusters. This has been confirmed by both the European Commission and the European Council. We are ready and believe that this process should begin immediately, without any delay. This is a merit-based process, and as long as we are ready, I am sure that this is what will happen,” Sandu said at the EU-Moldova summit, which took place on June 22 in Brussels.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU enlargement process is based on the principle of individual achievements of each candidate country.
“This is a merit-based process. Moldova must demonstrate results. But there is another element – the European Commission must submit a corresponding recommendation to the Council. As the chairman of the commission, I can say that we have already recommended that the Council open negotiations on all clusters of negotiating chapters,” von der Leyen clarified.
European Council President António Costa called EU enlargement a “major geopolitical investment” and assured that the process will continue as quickly as possible.
“For the European Council, enlargement is the most important geopolitical investment at European level. As Madam President Sandu said, this is also a critical investment in our own security. We must move forward and make progress on expansion as quickly as possible. Of course, this is a merit-based process, which means promotion depends on the achievements of each candidate country.
We are already moving very quickly with Montenegro and will probably complete negotiations before the end of the year. We also expect to complete negotiations with Albania by the end of 2027. As for Moldova, we have already opened the first cluster of negotiations, and when the European Commission reports that it is time to move to the next stage, the Council will make a decision. And he will do it as quickly as possible,” Costa explained.
Earlier on June 19, the European Council meeting didn’t support “accelerated” start of negotiations on European integration of Moldova and Ukraine. Romanian President Nicusor Dan announced this following the meeting, clarifying that Hungary and some other EU members were against it. At the same time, Dan noted that this is a diplomatic moment, without practical consequences.
Let us remind you that on June 15 the EU officially opened first round of negotiations with Moldova. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said that “the decision to open negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the European Union in the first cluster is a historical moment that turns the process of European integration into a concrete reality for Moldovan citizens.” He was supported by Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus Marilena Rauna, expressing pride that these negotiations are taking place during her country’s presidency of the Council of the EU.
12 June President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reportedthat all 27 EU member states unanimously approved a common negotiating position for the opening of the first cluster of negotiations on the accession of Moldova and Ukraine to the EU.
President of Moldova Maia Sandu had a telephone conversation with President of the European Council António Costa. The head of state emphasized that “Moldova is ready to open all negotiation clusters.”
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