Maia Sandu: 2027 Must Deliver Concrete Results on EU Accession

Maia Sandu: 2027 must be the year of concrete results in the EU accession process

The year 2027 must be one of tangible results in the Republic of Moldova’s accession process to the European Union, particularly with regard to the implementation of reforms. The authorities’ objective is to conclude accession negotiations by the start of 2028. These statements were made by President Maia Sandu at the annual conference on the enlargement of the European Union – ‘The 2026 Enlargement Package’.

Maia Sandu. AP Photo

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The Head of State emphasised that the Republic of Moldova has made progress across all 33 negotiation chapters, has opened four of the six clusters, and is ready to move on to the next stage of the European integration process.

“The Commission recognises our achievements in foreign, security and defence policy. These results have been achieved at a time when we have faced the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, energy crises and unprecedented attempts to destabilise our country. We have demonstrated that Moldova can move forward even when its security is under threat. We have gained experience from which other European states can learn. And we have demonstrated that a stronger Moldova contributes to Europe’s security,” said Maia Sandu.

The President noted that, for the first time, the European Commission has assessed that the objective of concluding accession negotiations by early 2028, whilst ambitious, is achievable. In this context, she called for recognition of the progress made through concrete decisions and for the support of Member States to move the negotiations forward.

“We are counting on a fair assessment of our reforms and on the support of Member States to make progress in the accession negotiations. Our aim is to be ready to conclude the accession negotiations by 2028. To this end, 2027 must be a year of concrete results, particularly in terms of implementation. The European Commission has set out how it envisages the decision-making process once new members join and how it will ensure that all Member States comply with European rules and values. “For the Republic of Moldova, this discussion is essential. We want a mechanism that guarantees the upholding of the rule of law and the continuation of reforms even after we join,” stated the Head of State.

Maia Sandu also highlighted the contribution of public institutions, Parliament, non-governmental organisations, the business community, local authorities and the diaspora to the country’s preparations for accession. She expressed particular gratitude to the experts working on harmonising legislation, preparing reforms and meeting the accession criteria.

In conclusion, the President emphasised that the European path does not depend solely on decisions taken in Brussels, but also on the Republic of Moldova’s ability to build functional institutions and a society in which the law and citizens’ rights are respected.

“But one thing certainly depends on each and every one of us: what sort of country we build at home. A country where the law is respected. Where people can work and live in safety. Where we are free, we are respected and we respect others. This is the Moldova we must build, no matter how difficult the path may be. And this is the Moldova we want to bring into the European Union. Our objective remains clear: to become a full member state of the European Union. We are not daunted by the fact that we have a lot of work ahead of us. Because we know that now is the time for Moldova to fulfil the hope that entire generations have cherished: that of living in peace and freedom, alongside the other European nations,” concluded Maia Sandu.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

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