Press release – Enlargement: MEPs praise Moldova for reforms despite Moscow interference

• Steady progress on EU-related reforms

• Justice and anti-corruption reforms on track

• Russian interference still a serious threat

In their report on Moldovaâs progress towards EU membership, MEPs commend the country for its exemplary commitment despite continued Russian-led foreign interference.

Parliament hails the Moldovan governmentâs steady progress on EU-related reforms despite significant internal and external challenges, not least persistent hostile Russian interference in the countryâs internal affairs. MEPs welcome the opening of accession negotiations on the âfundamentals clusterâ, which includes the judiciary and fundamental rights, freedom and security, and financial control. They urge EU member states in the Council to open all negotiation clusters without further delay â in line with the merit-based approach. They also emphasise that opening formal EU accession negotiations with Moldova signals that the EU recognises and rewards the countryâs concrete achievements, saying any negotiation process should not be blocked or delayed on account of bilateral issues.

Justice sector reform, fight against corruption

The report notes the European Commissionâs assessment that Moldova has made good progress in reforming the countryâs justice sector and in preventing and fighting corruption. MEPs also emphasise the importance of continuing to address the influence of oligarchs in political, economic and media life as a key priority for helping Moldova advance along its European pathway. Persistent Russian interference in Moldova MEPs issue a stark warning over continued Russian pressure on and interference in Moldovaâs internal affairs and democratic processes, as well as attempts to divide Moldovan society over its EU accession trajectory. They call on the EU and its member states to strengthen their support for Moldovaâs institutional resilience, strategic communication capacities, cybersecurity, independent media and democratic safeguards.

EU market integration, energy, Transnistria

The report welcomes the deepening of Moldovaâs economic integration within the EU single market and encourages further steps towards gradual sectoral integration and ambitious, sustainable trade liberalisation. On energy, MEPs welcome the Moldovan governmentâs plan to become independent from Russian energy resources.

On Transnistria, the text reiterates Parliamentâs longstanding commitment to Moldovaâs territorial integrity and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Russia must withdraw all military personnel, equipment and ammunition from the area, MEPs say.

The report was adopted by 505 votes in favour and 115 against, with 45 abstentions.

âThe start of formal EU accession negotiations with Moldova signals that the EU recognises and rewards the countryâs concrete achievements. Moldova has made solid progress despite challenging circumstances. Achieving the ambitious target of concluding accession negotiations by 2028 will mean accelerating this reform momentum even further. The EU must provide unwavering support to help Moldova succeedâ said rapporteur Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia).

• SnjeÅ¾ana KOBEÅ ÄAK SMODIÅ

Press Officer (HR)

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