One year passes since Moldova got status of country candidate for accession to EU. Success of nine recommendations' implementation

Chisinau, 23 June /MOLDPRES/ - One year has passed since the getting by Moldova of the status of country candidate for accession to the European Union. Nine conditions were submitted to the Moldovan authorities, in order to switch to the next phase – the one of negotiations, in the European integration process.    

On 17 June 2022, the European Commission recommended that the European Council gives Moldova a European perspective and status of country candidate for accession to EU, with a string of conditions for the starting of the negotiations on accession. On 23 June last year, the Council gave Moldova the status of country candidate for accession.  

The European Commission presented nine recommendations which Moldova must fulfill. They include: the justice reform, combating the high-level corruption, de-oligarchization, enhancement of the administrative capacities, management of the public money, ensuring the media pluralism and enhancement of the civil society’s involvement in decision-taking processes.    

Carrying out of the European Commission’s recommendations

One year after the getting of the status, the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry (MAEIE) unveiled some of the achievements. As for the justice reform, the leadership adopted and enforced the law on the verification of the declaration of wealth and personal interests of the candidates for the offices of judges and prosecutors. At the same time, the creation of the Superior Council of Magistracy was finished, after the pre-vetting procedure.  

As for the electoral sector, the Electoral Code was amended according to the recommendations by the OSCE/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Council of Europe and Venice Commission.

As far as the fight against corruption is concerned, international sanctions were enforced against corrupt people from Moldova, imposed by the USA, the United Kingdom, EU and other states. At the same time, a former MP got his final sentence for big corruption actions. Also, Moldova improved its position by 24 places in the Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International.  

The implementation of the commitment of ‘’de-oligarchization’’ – return of the Chisinau International Airport to the state’s management. At the same time, the Audiovisual Council ensured the transparency of the sources of financing of the owners beneficiaries of mass media.  

„Consolidation of the fight against the organized crime’’ – launch of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova; a significant presence of FRONTEX officers and the creation of an EU’s HUB for domestic security.   

„Enhancement of the administrative capacities’’ – management of refugees’ crisis, energy crisis and hybrid attacks. At the same time, the staff in charge of European affairs was increased at all levels. Also, 32 state services became available in electronic format.  

On this period, the Moldovan authorities repeatedly said that ‘’the implementation of the European Commission’s recommendations was and will remain a priority for the country’s leadership.’’ The authorities showed determination ‘’to get the decision on the starting of the negotiations on accession to EU.’’      

Actions on support of the European course

On 21 May 2023, the European Moldova National Assembly, held on the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN) from Chisinau and in another 33 cities of Europe, brought together thousands of citizens who expressed their support for the country’s European integration way. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola participated in the event on PMAN.   

Also, on 1 June this year, Moldova hosted the Summit of the European Political Community, which brought together about 50 European heads of state, prime ministers and high-ranking officials. During press statements, the European officials informed that Moldova’s place was in the European Union. They voiced hope that the negotiations on the country’s accession to EU would be launched as early as this year. At the same time, the officials noted that ‘’the meeting of the European leaders in Chisinau is not only a proof of support for our country, but also of the commitment of the European community, which comes from the moment when Moldova became state candidate for accession to EU.’’   

The level of fulfilment of those nine recommendations of the European Commission will be assessed in next autumn. Also, in the end of this year, the European institutions are to announce a decision on the starting of the negotiations on accession to EU.

President Maia Sandu signed the application on Moldova’s accession to the European Union on 3 March 2022.