The Republic of Moldova aims to join the European Union in 2030, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, stated in a news conference held to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the submission of the application for EU membership by the Republic of Moldova. According to him, a plan for implementing the nine sets of conditions of the European Commission, which primarily refer to the justice sector reform, has been designed meanwhile, IPN reports.
The second plan that includes 33 negotiation chapters is under consultations. “Discussions within a working group were held yesterday and these involved representatives of civil society for adjusting this plan,” stated Nicu Popescu.
The minister noted that the state institutions worked hand in hand with the European institutions for overcoming a number of problems. He spoke about a series of important projects from the common agenda. He said that the Moldovan Support Platform was launched and this enabled the country to manage the refugee crisis and to ensure the functionality of the state.
The diplomat denied the opinions that the Republic of Moldova received the EU candidate status owing to Ukraine and to the Russian aggression in the neighboring country. “We managed to become the candidate status owing to the joint diplomatic effort made by the Presidential Office, the Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other mates from the Government,” insisted Nicu Popescu.
As to the objectives set for this year, the minister said that there are a number of ambitious objectives in the relationship with the EU, such as the EU foreign and security policy advisory mission. “We also continue the discussions with the EU partners so as to develop our partnership in the context of the peace objectives and discuss the external assistance with the EU and other tens of things that can help bring the Republic of Moldova into the EU,” said Nicu Popescu, noting the way in which the EU common gas purchase platform will work is expected to become clearer in the near future.
Asked how the Moldovan authorities intend to persuade the EU member states to accept the Republic of Moldova into the big European family, the minister provided a laconic response. “It is my firm conviction that the Republic of Moldova will join the EU, the Schengen Space and the Euro Zone. Any reform should be permanently discussed with each EU member state that at the country’s each stage of accession to the EU will have the right of veto to help us move to the next stage,” said the diplomat.
As to Moldova’s flaws in the accession process, Nicu Popescu said actions are overdue in a number of sectors, including lawmaking, the justice sector reform, building the rule of law and democracy. But there are also shortcomings related to practical aspects, infrastructure. Moldova needs to considerably improve road security, to develop the border crossing infrastructure.
“Today more than ever, looking at what is going on in the East, at the developments in our country the past 12 months, we must clearly say that the place of the Republic of Moldova is in the European Union and we will manage to keep freedom and peace only alongside the EU,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister.
