Moldova is rapidly moving towards EU membership with the commencement of accession negotiations

Tuesday, Jun 9, 2026

Voxeurop

Moldova advances EU integration despite Russian pressure, showing strong reform progress and energy independence.

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Gazeta Wyborcza - POL

[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Moldova is making significant strides toward European integration after receiving approval from all 27 EU member states to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine. Previously viewed as vulnerable due to Russian energy dependence, corruption, and Kremlin influence, Moldova is now recognized by Brussels as a success story in the enlargement process. The opening of Cluster 1, covering rule of law and democratic institutions, marks this formal start. President Maia Sandu credits the nation’s resilience for overcoming skepticism. European Commission Commissioner Marta Kos praised Moldova’s performance, noting its high rate of reform implementation and suggesting technical negotiations could conclude within the current Commission’s mandate. Geopolitically, accession is viewed as a security strategy against Russia, which has engaged in hybrid interference, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns targeting Moldovan democracy. Despite these pressures, Moldovans have supported EU membership. Moldova has successfully reduced its dependence on Russian energy by diversifying supplies and increasing renewable energy use, transforming a vulnerability into strength. While the unresolved issue of the pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria remains, ChiÈ™inău aims to encourage reintegration through economic convergence with Europe. Despite optimism from both Brussels and ChiÈ™inău, challenges like incomplete judicial reform and corruption persist, though political obstacles have been eased by Hungary’s recent changes.

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