Eugen Tomac: Technical EU negotiations are a huge step forward
The commencement of technical negotiations on the first three clusters signals that the Republic of Moldova is making progress towards its goal of joining the European Union (EU), provided it continues to uphold the necessary pace of reforms. Romanian MEP Eugen Tomac expressed these views during the "Zi de Zi" show on Radio Moldova.
EU recognizes progress in Chisinau
In an interview with a public radio station, MEP Eugen Tomac emphasized the European institutions' commitment to advancing accession negotiations and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in implementing reforms.
"The EU aims to strengthen its relationship with the Republic of Moldova through European integration. This agreement marks a significant step forward, and we must acknowledge the efforts of the Government and President Maia Sandu in implementing reforms to foster closer ties with the European Union. Technical negotiations at this level are a positive development, as the reform of the justice system is critical and will require considerable time. While progress has been made, it is still insufficient," stated Eugen Tomac.
War in Ukraine transformed the EU's approach
In light of the new geopolitical landscape, the MEP discussed how the EU has evolved and its effects on the enlargement process.
"Due to the war in Ukraine, the EU has shifted from an economic union to a geopolitical union. Consequently, the priority is to end the conflict and establish the right conditions for negotiations to commence as swiftly as possible," Tomac noted.
Reforms: Key to EU accession
Concluding on an optimistic note, the MEP underscored the need to maintain a steady pace of reforms to persuade EU member states.
"Clearly, the commitments made must be honoured to fulfil the accession criteria. The sooner these reforms are implemented, the more convincing the Republic of Moldova will be to other candidate states. (...) There is a future prospect. It is crucial to maintain a vigorous pace of substantial reforms across all areas where the Republic of Moldova has made commitments. Even if technical negotiations are not yet underway in some areas, they must be adequately prepared," highlighted the Romanian MEP.
Chisinau gains time and clarity on the European agenda
Ana Calinici, the vice-chair of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, welcomed the EU's decision to advance technical negotiations. She stated, "This allows us not to waste time while we identify a solution to unblock the political situation."
"This is indeed a solution for us. First, it recognizes that we are ready to open the three groups of chapters (1, 2, and 6): rule of law, economic integration of the state, and external relations. Although we have made significant progress towards opening these clusters and have received reform priorities from the European Commission, these will guide us in advancing the negotiation process and fulfilling the criteria set by the EU," Calinici explained.
Pace of reforms determines the speed of EU accession
The MP emphasized the importance of coordination between Parliament and the Government to implement European priorities.
"We are mobilizing teams and the Government to meet the expectations of member states. It is crucial to have clearly defined directions regarding the Republic of Moldova's anticipated priorities. Our integration will depend on this, as will the conclusion of negotiations and a decision regarding the Republic of Moldova's accession to the EU," concluded Ana Calinici.
The Republic of Moldova will continue technical negotiations on three key areas: Fundamental Values (including Rule of Law and the Fight against Corruption), the Single Market, and External Relations, despite political blockages that are delaying the formal initiation of these discussions. EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, announced this at a meeting in Brussels on December 15, focused on Chișinău’s European path.
EU member states have agreed on standard guidelines permitting the continuation of technical work and the activation of working groups. These recommendations will emphasize strengthening the rule of law, aligning with internal market rules, and enhancing foreign policy and security.
Although the formal opening of negotiations requires a unanimous decision, EU officials confirmed that the Republic of Moldova meets the necessary technical criteria. While political obstacles remain, Chișinău will implement the recommended reforms in accordance with EU guidelines.
According to the European Commission's 2025 Enlargement Report, the Republic of Moldova has made the most significant progress in the EU accession process this year among all candidate countries. Progress was noted in 19 chapters and two subchapters, with the preparation level assessed as moderate in 12 chapters.
