Enlargement: EU and Moldova reach a milestone in accession talks with opening of the first negotiation cluster

Enlargement: EU and Moldova reach a milestone in accession talks with opening of the first negotiation cluster

Today, the EU and the Republic of Moldova reached a significant milestone with the opening of negotiations on the so-called 'fundamentals' cluster.

This first negotiating cluster includes the most critical components of the EU acquis related to the rule of law and fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, the public administration reform and economic criteria.

The Cyprus presidency is proud to have driven forward the work at the Council, that has led to this milestone moment in Moldova's accession negotiations. Today's achievement reflects Moldova's determination, dedication, and tangible reform efforts. We are encouraged by the substantial progress achieved and look forward to further supporting Moldova as it continues advancing on its European path, bringing it ever closer to its goal of EU membership and the opportunities it will create for its citizens. Enlargement has been a central priority of the Cyprus presidency, and today, in this important day for enlargement, we have delivered on our priority.

Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus

Cluster 1 'fundamentals' includes the following negotiating chapters:

• Chapter 23 - Judiciary and fundamental rights

• Chapter 24 - Justice, freedom and security

• Chapter 5 - Public procurement

• Chapter 18 - Statistics

• Chapter 32 - Financial control

The EU also set interim benchmarks both for the horizontal level of the cluster and for the rule of law chapters (23 and 24). These will need to be met before the negotiating process can move into its concluding phase and the provisional closure of the negotiating chapters can begin.

In addition, the EU set benchmarks for the provisional closure of the other chapters on public procurement, statistics and financial control (5, 18 and 32).

Negotiations on the Fundamentals cluster are the first ones to be opened and the last ones to be closed in the accession process. Progress under this cluster will determine the overall pace of negotiations.

The accession is a merit-based process. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations.

Background

Following the introduction of the revised methodology for accession negotiations in 2020, negotiating chapters are divided in six thematic clusters:

• Fundamentals

• Internal market

• Competitiveness and inclusive growth

• Green agenda and sustainable connectivity

• Resources, agriculture and cohesion

• External relations

• EU common position on Cluster 1 : Fundamentals

• Statement by President Costa and President Von der Leyen on the agreement to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, 12 June 2026

• First Accession Conference with Moldova, 25 June 2024

• Moldova (background information)

• EU enlargement policy (background information)

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