In a recent resolution, MEPs stated that EU membership for Moldova would be a geostrategic investment in a united and strong Europe. The text was adopted by 555 votes in favor, 49 against, with 26 abstentions.
This comes as Moldova remains exposed to Russian pressure and energy blackmail, economic upheaval due to the war in neighboring Ukraine, as well as Kremlin-backed attempts to destabilize the country’s pro-European government.
Parliament welcomes the leadership of Moldovan President Maia Sandu and the country’s authorities in addressing these serious challenges. MEPs also reaffirm their support for Moldova’s prospective EU membership, following the country’s application in 2022, while recognising the Moldovan government’s progress in terms of reforms and level of alignment with the EU’s body of laws. They call for accession talks to begin by the end of 2023, if Moldova fulfils the nine steps identified by the European Commission needed for the opening of negotiations.
In the meantime, Parliament calls on the Moldovan government to continue resolutely with its reform agenda on democracy and the rule of law, advance work towards the full implementation of the country’s EU Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, tackle organised and serious international and transnational crime, and push ahead with efforts to increase the country’s energy security.
On attempts to destabilize Moldova, the resolution calls on the EU and its member states to immediately sanction those involved. Parliament also wants the EU to broaden the scope of its sanctions regime to include as punishable offence acts of corruption that undermine a country’s security, stability, constitutional and democratic institutions, reports Agerpres.
Finally, the resolution condemns Russia’s continued energy blackmail of Moldova and expresses its support for Chisinau’s efforts to increase its energy security by diversifying supply sources, reducing consumption, and purchasing energy in the European market, as well as developing interconnectivity infrastructure. MEPs also call on the EU to continue supporting Moldova on achieving energy independence.
The Union of the Republic of Moldova with Romania: an increasingly pressing topic
