Andrei Mardari

This page provides an in-depth look at Moldova’s progress, key achievements, and the steps ahead as it moves closer to becoming a full member of the European Union.


Moldova has undertaken a series of transformative reforms to align with EU standards and strengthen its democratic institutions. These reforms span governance, justice, economy, and foreign policy, demonstrating Moldova’s commitment to European values.



Moldova has undertaken a series of transformative reforms to align with EU standards and strengthen its democratic institutions. These reforms span governance, justice, economy, and foreign policy, demonstrating Moldova’s commitment to European values.

  • Once the screening process is complete, the EU will open negotiations on specific clusters. These clusters group related policy areas, and Moldova will need to demonstrate progress in each cluster to advance.
  • The first cluster to be negotiated is typically the Fundamentals Cluster, which includes areas such as rule of law, judiciary, and fundamental rights.
  • Moldova will need to continue implementing reforms in key areas such as justice, anti-corruption, public administration, and economic governance.
  • The EU will monitor Moldova’s progress through regular reports and dialogues.
  • As Moldova meets the criteria for each cluster, the EU will formally close negotiations on that cluster. This process will continue until all clusters are closed, signaling that Moldova is ready for full membership.
  • The European Commission is currently conducting a detailed examination of Moldova’s alignment with EU laws and standards (the acquis communautaire). This process, known as screening, involves analyzing Moldova’s legal and institutional framework across 35 policy areas (clusters).
  • The screening process is expected to continue through 2025, after which the EU will provide feedback and recommendations for further reforms.

Moldova’s EU accession is guided by 33 negotiation chapters and two key criteria—economic and political—grouped into six thematic clusters. This structured approach ensures a strategic and comprehensive alignment with EU standards. The process begins with essential reforms in rule of law and anti-corruption, which set the pace for integration.

Moldova made tangible progress, aligning with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and advancing reforms in justice, deoligarchisation, and electoral integrity—reflecting a strong commitment to European values.

Fundamentals
Chapter 5
Public procurement
2 / 5
Chapter 18
Statistics
2 / 5
Chapter 23
Judiciary & fundamental rights
2 / 5
Chapter 24
Justice, Freedom & Security
2 / 5
Chapter 32
Financial control
1 / 5
Political Criteria
Public administration reform
2 / 5
Criteria
Economic criteria
2 / 5
Internal market
Chapter 1
Free movement of goods
2 / 5
Chapter 2
Free movement of workers
1 / 5
Chapter 3
Right of establishment & freedom to provide services
2 / 5
Chapter 4
Free movement of capital
2 / 5
Cluster 6
Company law
2 / 5
Cluster 7
Intellectual property law
2 / 5
Chapter 8
Competition policy
2 / 5
Chapter 9
Financial services
2 / 5
Chapter 28
Consumer & health protection
2 / 5
Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth
Cluster 10
Digital transformation & media
2 / 5
Cluster 16
Taxation
2 / 5
Chapter 17
Economic Taxation & monetary policy
2 / 5
Chapter 19
Social policy & employment
2 / 5
Cluster 20
Enterprise & industrial policy
2 / 5
Chapter 25
Science & research
3 / 5
Green Agenda & Sustainable Connectivity
Chapter 14
Transport policy
2 / 5
Chapter 15
Energy
3 / 5
Chapter 21
Trans – European networks
2 / 5
Chapter 27
Enviroment & climate change
2 / 5
Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion
Chapter 17
Agriculture & Rural Development
1 / 5
Chapter 12
Food safety, veterinary & phytosanitary policy
2 / 5
Chapter 13
Fisheries & aquaculture
1 / 5
Chapter 22
Regional policy & coordination of structural instruments
2 / 5
Chapter 33
Financial & budgetary provisions
1 / 5
External Relations
Chapter 30
External relations
3 / 5
Chapter 31
Foreign, security & defence policy
4 / 5

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    On August 27, Moldova’s Independence Day, three of Europe’s top leaders—France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk—joined President Maia Sandu in Chișinău to affirm Moldova’s European future. They were welcomed at the Presidential Palace and held joint talks with President Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and Parliament Speaker…

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