Dan Barna: Moldova is fully ready to start EU negotiations

The Republic of Moldova is ready to begin negotiations with the European Commission, and the technical aspects are well understood. The progress made has been recognized, according to MEP Dan Barna (USR), a member of the European Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee (AFET), who spoke to Agerpres on Wednesday in Strasbourg.

Dan Barna, vice-chair of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament (EP), made statements regarding the priorities presented by the Danish presidency of the EU Council in the EP plenary this week. These priorities include the continuation of the accession process for Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and the countries of the Western Balkans.

Barna highlighted several key elements in the EP report on the progress of the Republic of Moldova, which he emphasized should be included. These elements include the allocation of pre-accession funds for Moldova within the EU budget and the multiannual financial framework, ensuring that Moldova is not solely reliant on instruments such as the Growth Facility.

Another important addition to the EP report is the request for the Republic of Moldova to participate in European security and defense programs. Barna stated, "The ability for Moldova to join in coordinated European-level procurement of equipment in the defense and security sectors is a very crucial element. I have called for an increase in the budget for the European Peace Facility for Moldova."

Regarding the potential separation of Moldova and Ukraine in their EU accession processes, Barna explained that this is not merely a procedural or regulatory issue, but rather a matter of "political will at the Council level," given that the European Commission supports a merit-based approach.

He reiterated that there is a "a very high expectation" for negotiations to begin as soon as possible, particularly since Moldova is facing elections in September. The recent EU-Moldova summit sent a clear signal of European support for its partners.

A further “powerful message” was conveyed with the release of the first tranche of pre-financing, totaling 270 million euros from the Growth Facility to the Republic of Moldova. This confirms the consistency of the support that Chișinău receives and highlights the "window of opportunity" that Moldova must seize.

Barna stressed the importance of pushing forward necessary reforms, stating, “We do not know how long this political opening will last, so we must seize every week, every month of this opportunity.”

He also emphasized the need to extend Moldovan products' access to the EU market, which expires on July 24. Barna mentioned that he discussed this matter with European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič, who assured him that he would consider extending the measure. He also sent a letter with a similar request to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

“The measure expires on July 24, and with the elections on September 28 approaching, it is crucial to ensure the extension of this access,” he stressed.