European Commissioner for Enlargement: Moldova's achievements remarkable in context of challenges arising from war, attempts at destabilization

Chisinau, June 26. /MOLDPRES/- The achievements of the Republic of Moldova are particularly remarkable in the context of the challenges arising from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and destabilization attempts against Moldova. European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Oliver Varhelyi made the statements after the first intergovernmental conference between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, which took place yesterday in Luxembourg and which marked the initiation of negotiations for our country's accession to the EU.

"Today we effectively launched the accession negotiations between the EU and Moldova. This means the beginning of a new road whose destination is Moldova's accession to the European Union. This Intergovernmental Conference is the recognition of Moldova's continuous progress on reforms. The Republic of Moldova has completed the necessary steps to open accession negotiations. Moldova's achievements are particularly remarkable in the context of the challenges arising from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and destabilization attempts against Moldova," the official said.

Oliver Varhelyi said "negotiations should be a transformative process" and was convinced that they "will have a positive impact on the society and economy" of our country, bringing "tangible benefits to citizens and businesses throughout the process".

"Our message to the Republic of Moldova is that you should continue on this path and we are ready to take the next steps together with you. I want to assure you that including the European Commission will continue to help Moldova every step of the way. Already in two weeks, together, we will launch the next step of the enlargement process, which is the so-called bilateral screening of the EU acquis", said Oliver Varhelyi.

The official also added that the EU and the Republic of Moldova will continue cooperation under the Economic and Investment Plan - which has so far mobilized 1.5 billion euros in public and private investment in key sectors such as energy, transport and access to finance for businesses. "We look forward to continuing to cooperate with you towards our common goal: a prosperous future for the people of Moldova within the European Union," concluded the European Commissioner.

On Tuesday, June 25, in Luxembourg, the accession negotiations of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union were officially launched, during an intergovernmental conference. The country's delegation was led by Prime Minister Dorin Recean.