Siegfried Muresan: EU Must Accelerate the Integration of Moldova and Ukraine

The European Parliament is calling for an accelerated accession process for the Republic of Moldova to the EU in light of threats from Russia. The acceleration of European integration for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine should become a strategic priority for the EU in the upcoming period, according to MEP Siegfried Muresan. He stated that today the Foreign Affairs Committee voted on the European Parliament’s annual report on the Republic of Moldova, as reported by ipn.md. “In the report, prepared in line with the amendment I submitted together with my colleagues, the authorities of the Republic of Moldova are praised for their commitment to completing the legislative screening process in the context of EU accession and for opening the first effective negotiation chapters in the coming months,” Muresan noted. Thus, the European Commission was called upon to provide more consistent support to the authorities in Chisinau so that these goals can be achieved and the accession process accelerated. At the same time, the ongoing liberalization of trade between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova was discussed. “This measure would replace the current temporary liberalization introduced after the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which allowed Moldovan agricultural products — cut off from eastern markets — to be redirected to the European market,” said the MEP. The temporary liberalization has already led to a significant increase in Moldovan agricultural exports to the EU, benefiting local producers, the MEP noted. “Permanent liberalization would provide greater predictability for domestic producers and boost investor confidence in the Moldovan economy.” Following today’s vote in the Foreign Affairs Committee, the report is expected to be put to a final vote during the European Parliament’s plenary session in June.