European Council reaffirms full commitment to Moldova's EU membership perspective

Chisinau, Dec. 18 /MOLDPRES/- The European Council welcomes the reforms in the Republic of Moldova and reaffirms support for our country's European path, according to the European Council Conclusions on the Republic of Moldova in the context of EU enlargement, approved in Brussels on 17 December. The European Council also urges the Republic of Moldova to make progress in judicial reform and the fight against corruption.

The European Council took note of the Commission's communication of October 30, 2024 on the EU enlargement policy, including reports on Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Turkey, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Georgia. It reaffirmed commitment to enlargement and underlined the importance of ensuring that the EU can maintain and deepen its own development. "Enlargement is a geo-strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. It is an engine for improving the economic and social conditions of European citizens, reducing disparities between countries and must promote the values on which the Union is founded. EU enlargement will bring far-reaching socio-economic benefits to its current and future members," the European Council conclusions read.

In the context of a war unleashed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, enlargement has become a strategic priority, the European Council says. "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine underlines the importance of enlargement as a strategic priority for the EU. The Council reaffirms its full and unequivocal commitment to the perspective of EU membership for the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova," the document says.

Referring to the Republic of Moldova, the European Council notes that the results of the October 20 referendum confirm the commitment of citizens to Moldova's European path. The European Council urges the Republic of Moldova to continue economic reforms, to strengthen public administration and to complete justice reform. "Building on the significant progress made, Moldova should continue to advance comprehensive justice reform, including the vetting process, as well as advancing the fight against corruption, focusing on strengthening the relevant institutions and further building a solid track record of investigations and convictions, including in high-level corruption cases," the document says.

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov noted that with these Conclusions, the European Council welcomes the continuation of reforms and reaffirms support for Moldova's accession to the European Community. "The European Union reaffirms its strong support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova. This is stated in the European Council Conclusions on the Republic of Moldova in the context of EU enlargement. The Council welcomes the continuation of reforms in the areas of the rule of law, fundamental rights and the protection of minority rights, despite the challenges and the continued hybrid attacks by the Russian Federation against the Republic of Moldova", said Gherasimov.

The Council approved the mandate for the negotiations with the European Parliament on the Economic Growth Plan, which sees financial support of up to €1.8 billion for 2025-2027. The funds are earmarked for infrastructure, socio-economic reforms and Moldova's integration into the European single market.

On 17 December, the European Council approved conclusions on enlargement for the six Western Balkan partners, Turkey, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia.