European Parliament praises Moldova for reforms despite Moscow interference

In their report on Moldova’s progress towards EU membership, adopted on 8 July, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) commended the country for its exemplary commitment despite continued Russian-led foreign interference.

Parliament praised the Moldovan government’s steady progress on EU-related reforms despite significant internal and external challenges, not least persistent hostile Russian interference in the country’s internal affairs. MEPs welcomed the opening of accession negotiations on the “fundamentals cluster”, which includes the judiciary and fundamental rights, freedom and security, and financial control. 

They urged EU member states in the Council to open all negotiation clusters without further delay – in line with the merit-based approach. They also said that opening formal EU accession negotiations with Moldova signalled that the EU recognises and rewards the country’s concrete achievements, saying any negotiation process should not be blocked or delayed on account of bilateral issues.

MEPs also highlighted the importance of continuing to address the influence of oligarchs in political, economic and media life as a key priority for helping Moldova advance along its European pathway. 

MEPs also issued a stark warning over continued Russian pressure on and interference in Moldova’s internal affairs and democratic processes, and attempts to divide Moldovan society over its EU accession trajectory. They called on the EU and its member states to strengthen their support for Moldova’s institutional resilience, strategic communication capacities, cybersecurity, independent media and democratic safeguards.

The report welcomed the deepening of Moldova’s economic integration within the EU single market and encouraged further steps towards gradual sectoral integration and ambitious, sustainable trade liberalisation. On energy, MEPs welcomed the Moldovan government’s plan to become independent from Russian energy resources.

On Transnistria, the text reiterates Parliament’s longstanding commitment to Moldova’s territorial integrity and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Russia must withdraw all military personnel, equipment and ammunition from the area, MEPs said.

The report was adopted by 505 votes in favour and 115 against, with 45 abstentions.

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