The European Council, convened yesterday, congratulated the authorities of the Republic of Moldova for their firm commitment and effective measures taken to safeguard the integrity of the recent electoral process and ensure free and fair elections — despite Russia’s ongoing hybrid activities aimed at undermining the country’s democratic institutions. The Council emphasized that the European Union will continue close cooperation with the Republic of Moldova to strengthen its resilience and stability, and to build on its experience through lessons learned.

The European Council reaffirmed the European Union’s strong support for the Republic of Moldova’s European path and welcomed the significant progress achieved so far.

The Council encouraged the Republic of Moldova, the Council, and the Commission to continue work on the accession process, in line with the merit-based approach.

The “Fundamental Values” cluster will be opened first and closed last, while the other clusters will be opened once conditions are met, in accordance with the enlargement methodology. The European Council welcomed the Commission’s assessment that the “Fundamental Values,” “Internal Market,” and “External Relations” clusters are ready to be opened.

In this context, Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, stated:
“The conclusions of yesterday’s European Council meeting in Brussels give us great confidence. It is a recognition of the work carried out by the government and society as a whole for the reforms undertaken and the progress made on the path to the EU. We thank the 27 EU leaders who reaffirmed the EU’s strong support for Moldova’s European journey — a sign that the EU’s doors are wide open for our country.”