Ministry of Agriculture continues consultations with associations in preparing EU accession negotiations

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) conducted a new round of consultations with relevant associations in the context of preparation for Moldova's EU accession negotiations. The meeting brought together representatives from the agricultural sector, business environment, as well as the National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA) and the Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA).

The discussions focused on harmonizing agricultural legislation and practices with EU standards, within Chapters 11 – Agriculture and rural development, 12 – Food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary policies, and 13 – Fisheries and aquaculture, all coordinated by MAIA in the integration process.

Representatives of farmers advocated for setting reasonable transition periods in adopting European regulations; access to technical and financial support for compliance with standards; constant dialogue and a permanent mechanism for informing and training regarding integration process requirements. Additionally, participants discussed the formulation of negotiation positions for each chapter, emphasizing the importance of incorporating the private sector’s voice into official documents to be presented to the European Commission, according to MAIA.

Minister of Agriculture Ludmila Catlabuga reiterated the ministry's commitment to open cooperation with the associative sector.


“Integration into the European Union involves shared commitments and responsibilities, where public authorities must develop clear policies and regulations, and the private sector has the responsibility to adapt its practices and production processes to community standards and rules,” the official estimated.


According to MAIA, bilateral screening sessions with the European Commission will resume in September for Chapter 11 and Chapter 12. By late October, official negotiation positions will be submitted, which will include technically and economically argued proposals from the associative sector.

The close collaboration between authorities and the associative environment aims to build a resilient, competitive agricultural sector aligned with European standards, as part of Moldova's irreversible path towards the European Union, summarizes the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.