The European Parliament proposed to begin negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the EU before the end of the year

The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the start of negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the EU before the end of 2023. The resolution was approved with 448 votes in favor, 45 deputies voted against and 43 abstained, Interfax reports.

According to MEPs, the Moldovan government “has demonstrated its determination and ability to meet the demands of the European Commission in order to begin membership negotiations.” The European Parliament believes that Moldova’s membership in the EU “will represent a geostrategic investment in a united and strong Europe.”

At the same time, the resolution emphasizes “the importance of the Chisinau government continuing the process of reforms in the country not only to achieve the political goal of joining the EU, but, above all, to significantly improve the standard of living of Moldovans.” “The EU and its member states should also increase their financial and technical assistance to Moldova in order to facilitate its rapid and effective integration into the EU,” the resolution said.

However, it is noted that “accession to the EU remains a merit-based process and requires the fulfillment of membership criteria.” Therefore, “the parliament calls on all political players in Moldova to seek consensus on the most important and urgent reforms in order to further harmonize the country’s legislation with EU standards.”

MEPs especially emphasized the importance of working “on sustainable and comprehensive justice reform and the fight against corruption,” as well as on de-oligarchization, public financial management reform, and the fight against organized crime.

Let us remind you that Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and received EU candidate status in June 2022.