PM: Moldova sets 2028 as target year for EU membership

Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Dorin Recean has reaffirmed his country’s firm intention to be ready for European Union membership by 2028. He made the statement following a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during his visit to Brussels on June 3–4.

The Moldovan Prime Minister stressed that the European Parliament continues to stand by Moldova at key moments along its path toward European integration, Caliber.Az reports via Moldovan media.

He expressed gratitude for the political support and ongoing assistance provided to Chișinău, as well as for the trust shown in the Moldovan people’s ability to build a European future marked by peace and prosperity.

“I met again with Roberta Metsola — a leader who has always supported us. I am grateful for the support and confidence that she and the entire European Parliament have shown towards our country,” Recean stated.

He placed special emphasis on the recently approved Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova — a €1.9 billion financial package backed by members of the European Parliament from all EU member states. According to Recean, this initiative is a clear sign of solidarity and strategic partnership.

“We will work to ensure that the Republic of Moldova not only receives support, but also becomes a full member of the European Parliament by 2028,” Recean underlined.

The prime minister’s visit to Brussels is taking place within the framework of the ninth meeting of the EU–Moldova Association Council. Key topics on the agenda include judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts, strengthening democracy and security, as well as advancing economic cooperation, especially in the energy sector.

For context, on June 25, 2024, Moldova officially began accession negotiations with the European Union. The negotiations cover 33 chapters of EU legislation, grouped into six thematic clusters: fundamentals; internal market; external relations; competitiveness and inclusive growth; the Green Agenda and sustainable connectivity; and resources, agriculture, and cohesion. The “fundamentals” cluster opens and closes the talks and includes chapters on the judiciary and rule of law, justice, freedom and security, public procurement, statistics, and financial control.

By Tamilla Hasanova