Accession to EU: Government approved country presentations for two chapters set up by Ministry of Agriculture

The government has approved the country presentations, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) in partnership with other governmental authorities, for the bilateral screening sessions with the European Commission related to Chapter 11 - Agriculture and Rural Development and Chapter 12 - Food Safety, Sanitary, and Phytosanitary Policies.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry is set to initiate, together with the European Commission, the screening process for these two chapters, which they coordinate during the bilateral meeting planned for September.

Chapter 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development involves the transposition of about 150 European legislative acts. To be prepared to adhere to the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy and benefit from financial support, the Republic of Moldova must implement a series of reforms. Key areas include: management and monitoring of support for agriculture and rural development, the common organization of agricultural markets, as well as the development of information systems for collecting, processing, and reporting agricultural data and for administration and control in the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Chapter 12 - Food Safety, Sanitary, and Phytosanitary Policies involves the transposition of about 1,500 acts from the EU acquis, covering policies regarding food safety, animal health and welfare, plant health, and sanitary and phytosanitary aspects in general. Implementing these regulations involves strengthening institutional capacities and adopting strict standards for public health protection and facilitating trade in agri-food products.

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched an extensive consultation process with professional associations to gather suggestions and proposals regarding the implementation process of EU requirements in specific areas. Also, there is a discussion on the need to establish transition periods for certain provisions, requiring time and adequate preparation from agricultural entrepreneurs.


“These contributions will be integrated into the official negotiation position of the Republic of Moldova with the European Union on the respective chapters, which will be formulated after the conclusion of the screening sessions,” the cited source said.