CHISINAU, 1 Oct. Moldova from October 1 begins to revise local legislation to ensure it complies with EU standards; by the end of the year the country expects to begin negotiations on accession to the EU.
In August 2022, the National Commission for European Integration adopted and approved a plan for the implementation of 9 recommendations proposed by the European Commission to accelerate Moldova’s accession to the EU. This plan was approved by the government and representatives of the European Commission, and deadlines for implementation were determined for each of the recommendations, which included the adaptation of laws to European standards.
Transition from theory to practice The country's authorities formed 33 working groups that were supposed to study local legislation in their core area and prepare draft amendments so that national laws would comply with European standards. On October 1, the transition to practice begins.
“We have agreed that by 1 October 2023, the working groups on the 33 chapters of EU legislation will send to each ministry the necessary documents for inclusion in national legislation. We are committed to promoting free and effective interaction between ministries, this goal will be achieved through the Under-Secretaries General for European Affairs,» Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu told reporters.
According to him, experts conducted a “self-assessment of the compliance of national legislation with EU norms and regulations.” Popescu is confident that every amendment made to the laws is a step that brings Moldova closer to the values, standards and opportunities that the European Union offers.
The attractiveness of the EU in Moldova is decreasing»I think it is very important to note what the population thinks about the aspirations of the authorities. Traditionally, there is only one area that citizens evaluate best — this is the implementation of the progress of European integration. In the field of foreign relations of Moldova, one should not expect any evolutions, but among the population the pro-European orientation is falling slightly, 42% of the population favors a balanced policy and equal relations with the EU and the Russian Federation,” said Doru Petruzi, director of the Institute for Sociological Research IMAS.
At the same time, he notes that 38% of the population hope that the government is able to take the necessary steps so that the country can become part of the EU.
“The President of Moldova announced that the republic has set itself the goal of becoming part of the EU by 2030. But so far, 53% of the population of Moldova are pessimists and do not believe that this goal will be achieved,” the sociologist stated.
President of Moldova Maia Sandu signed an application for the republic's accession to the European Union in March last year, noting that the process of European integration needs to be accelerated. The heads of state and government of the European Union at the summit in Brussels on June 23 approved granting Ukraine and Moldova the status of candidates for joining the union.