Moldova officially opened negotiations on two additional clusters of chapters: Cluster 2 – Internal Market and Cluster 3 – Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth. A total of 17 negotiating chapters were opened in a single day.

“This is a major step forward for our country, confirming that Moldova is making progress in the negotiation process and taking concrete steps towards becoming an EU member state,” said Cristina Gherasimov.

By opening negotiations on Cluster 2, Moldova aims to achieve full participation in the European Union’s internal market and integration into a common economic area where goods, services, people and capital can move freely under shared rules. Cluster 3 focuses on aligning national legislation with EU standards in areas such as digital transformation, taxation, economic and monetary policy, employment, industry, research, education, culture and customs.

Alignment with these European standards will bring numerous benefits to citizens, including employment and business opportunities throughout the EU, safer products and stronger consumer protection, enhanced social protection, quality education and greater opportunities for professional development.

For businesses, this means access to a larger market of 450 million consumers, clearer and more predictable rules, increased investment, support for innovation and more efficient public services.

“There is still much work ahead, and we are determined to continue preparing the Republic of Moldova’s economy to compete and grow in the European market, while ensuring that our citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as those in other EU member states,” Cristina Gherasimov stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov thanked the teams across the ministries and her colleagues at the Bureau for European Integration for their efforts.

“We are grateful to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and all 27 EU member states for the trust and support they have extended to the Republic of Moldova,” she said.