On Wednesday 18 June, MEPs hailed “exemplary commitment and steady progress with EU accession-related reforms despite significant internal and external challenges”.
In the progress report by Sven Mikser (Renew Europe, Estonian) which they adopted (456 votes in favour, 118 against and 51 abstentions), the European Parliament supports the Moldovan government’s intention to open several clusters of accession negotiation chapters in the coming months and to complete the screening process for all clusters by the end of 2025.
Parliament insists on the need for a comprehensive reform of the justice system, “key for the success of Moldova’s democratic [...] reforms”, and to tackle money laundering and corruption. It also calls for the implementation of the reform programme, which will boost the growth and competitiveness of the Moldovan economy and its convergence with that of the EU on the basis of “the Association Agreement, which includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area”.
Stressing that the parliamentary elections on 28 September will be of crucial importance for Moldova’s continued progress towards EU membership - an election which could be subject to foreign interference and hybrid attacks - Parliament calls on the EU to give greater support to the government in its efforts to counter such interference in the country’s democratic process, in particular through new sanctions, strengthening the EUPM Moldova Partnership Mission and sharing expertise on information manipulation and foreign interference.
Parliament also welcomes Moldova’s constant and growing cooperation with the EU on foreign policy, and stresses the country’s essential role as a key contributor to regional and European security.
To see the report, go to https://aeur.eu/f/he6 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)