Moldova approves roadmaps for EU accession Cluster 1
The Government of the Republic of Moldova has approved three strategic documents required for opening Cluster 1 – Fundamental Values within the European Union accession negotiations.
These are the roadmaps concerning public administration reform, the rule of law, and the functioning of democratic institutions.
What the Public Administration Reform Roadmap Includes
The roadmap approved by the government establishes concrete measures for modernizing public administration. The document aims to improve the efficiency of central and local institutions, professionalize public officials, digitalize services, enhance policy planning, and manage European funds.
The goal is to create a more transparent, accountable public administration capable of providing quality services to citizens, in line with EU standards.
"A public administration meeting European standards is the goal we strive for. Today, we are taking another step in this direction by approving the Roadmap for Public Administration Reform. (...) This document guarantees that upon accession, our country will have a stronger, more professional, and citizen-oriented public administration," stated the Government Secretary, Artur Mija.
What the "Rule of Law" Roadmap Includes
This roadmap establishes the key reforms that the Republic of Moldova must implement to be able to open and advance in negotiations with the EU.
Among the planned actions are: external evaluation (vetting) of judges and prosecutors, reform of the Supreme Court of Justice, digitalization of justice, combating corruption and organized crime, personal data protection, press freedom, and combating violence against women.
"The roadmap addresses two essential elements of the accession process: the implementation of Chapter 23, which concerns the judiciary and fundamental rights, and Chapter 24, which concerns justice, freedom, and security," stated the Minister of Justice, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.
What the "Functioning of Democratic Institutions" Roadmap Includes
The approved document defines the priorities and necessary reforms for the Republic of Moldova to align with European standards regarding the functioning of democracy. It is structured into three thematic blocks:
Electoral Process – includes measures for fair elections, combating illegal party financing, campaign transparency, voter accessibility, and combating disinformation.
Functioning of Parliament – aims to streamline the legislative process, establish ethics rules for MPs, and strengthen Parliament's oversight role.
Role of Civil Society – supports NGO involvement, protection of civil activists, and a more effective public consultation framework.
"Functional democratic institutions are not just a formal requirement in the accession process; they are the foundation of a stable, open, and resilient society," stated Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.
According to the authorities, the approval of these three roadmaps is an important formal step in opening accession negotiations. The documents will be monitored by the European Commission, and the implementation of the committed measures will directly influence the European path of the Republic of Moldova.
What is the "Fundamental Values" Cluster?
Cluster 1 is the first and most complex of the six thematic groups (clusters) into which accession negotiations are organized. It brings together several areas, such as:
- Justice and Fundamental Rights (Chapter 23)
- Public Safety, Police, and Fight Against Corruption (Chapter 24)
- Good functioning of democratic institutions
- Public administration
- Public procurement management, statistics, and financial control.
This cluster must be opened first and closed last. Progress in these areas directly influences the possibility of advancing in the other negotiation chapters. If the conditions set out in this cluster are not met, the accession process can be temporarily blocked.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
