A report approved on 18 June by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) with a significant majority of 456 votes in favour, 118 against, and 51 abstentions commends Moldova for its steadfast commitment to advancing its progress toward EU membership. The report acknowledges that the relationship between the EU and Moldova has entered a new and constructive phase, characterised by enhanced cooperation and ongoing efforts by the government in Chișinău to harmonise national legislation with EU standards (the so-called “EU acquis”).
Despite facing substantial internal and external challenges, including the repercussions of Russia’s continuous aggression against Ukraine and interference in Moldova’s democratic processes, MEPs have recognised the government’s achievements in fulfilling the EU’s enlargement criteria. The report also underscores Moldova’s aspiration to engage in negotiations on further enlargement-related matters.
“We commend Moldova’s strong commitment to EU integration and acknowledge the country’s strategic importance for Europe. The Moldovan authorities have demonstrated remarkable determination to pursue reforms and align with EU values despite facing major challenges and external pressure by the Kremlin and its proxies,” said the rapporteur on Moldova, Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia).
Moreover, MEPs encourage the European Commission to bolster its support for Moldova as it strives to reach these critical objectives. They highlight the recent constitutional referendum on European integration and the forthcoming 2024 presidential election, during which Moldovans reaffirmed their commitment to EU membership and endorsed the government’s pro-European reform agenda.
Although Moldova has encountered a significant hybrid campaign launched by Russia and its affiliates, MEPs observe that both the referendum and the election were conducted with professionalism and demonstrated a remarkable sense of duty and commitment. Furthermore, the report stresses the importance of the upcoming parliamentary elections in autumn 2025, which will be crucial for the continued advancement of Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. MEPs caution that there is likely to be an increase in foreign interference, particularly from Russia, aimed at undermining this progress”.