Roberta Metsola on launching EU accession negotiations for Moldova and Ukraine: European Parliament to support creative solutions to overcome obstacles

Brussels supports the swift launch of accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said during her visit to Chisinau. In the context of Hungary's opposition to starting negotiations, she emphasized that the European Parliament will back any measures to allow continued progress and will support creative solutions to overcome obstacles.

During a press conference held at the Presidency, Roberta Metsola mentioned that the enlargement process must remain merit- and reform-based, and candidate states that have fulfilled their commitments deserve to advance.


'We are not talking about acts of charity, but about a strategic approach – this is the message I have communicated many times. Two member states are supported by the European Parliament in this process. I am very confident that, ultimately, we will manage to advance in a unified manner.'


She emphasized that the Republic of Moldova has made 'the most progress of all candidate states' and that 'European ministers and leaders must soon find solutions to initiate accession negotiations.' 'You have done your part of the work, now it is our turn to do ours,' added Metsola.

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu reiterated the country's commitment to full-fledged European integration, emphasizing that the accession process must be swift but reform- and result-based.


'The Republic of Moldova opts for full-fledged rights, but let's remember that, for other states that have joined until now, there have been conditions even after accession, depending on problematic areas. From the moment of accession, it does not mean that we should stop continuing the processes of reform, increasing resilience, and competitiveness of the economy and the quality of institutions,' said Sandu.


The head of state noted that the Republic of Moldova supports the idea of a larger but efficient European Union:


'We want an expanded but functional Union, with a decision-making process that doesn't get blocked at every step. Every time there has been enlargement, internal reforms have been made, and these are still being discussed today. It is very important for us that the accession process happens as quickly as possible, and we hope that the internal reforms in the European Union will allow this, both for Moldova and for other candidate states that fulfill their commitments.'