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MEPs from 19 European countries have sent a letter to European Council President António Costa urging the EU to “immediately” move to the next stage of accession talks with Moldova.
Source: European Parliament Vice-President Victor Negrescu on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Negrescu said that, on his initiative and with the support of 55 MEPs from 19 European countries representing the main democratic political groups, a letter calling for the immediate opening of negotiating clusters with Moldova has been sent to Costa.
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He emphasised that this is a strong political signal that the European Parliament fully supports Moldova’s European future, recognises its reforms and demands the implementation of the people’s will as expressed in parliamentary elections.
The letter notes that the free and fair elections held last Sunday leave no doubt: the people of Moldova have confirmed their clear desire to join the European Union. Despite external pressure and disinformation campaigns, their choice demonstrates democratic resilience and determination.
Quote: “This is a turning point that demands an equally strong and prompt response from the European Union. We therefore respectfully call on you, in your capacity as President of the European Council, to ensure that the opening of accession negotiations on the acquis chapters is placed without delay on the Council’s agenda and endorsed by Member States. Such a step would affirm the determination of Moldovan citizens and give them confidence that their European choice is being heard and respected.”
Read also: Getting round Orbán: how to unblock Ukraine’s road to the EU
More details: The MEPs stress that this is not only the logical next step but also a strategic investment in regional stability, security and prosperity.
Quote: “This decision is not only the logical next step, but a strategic investment in regional stability, security and prosperity. It would also send a clear message that the EU honours its commitments, that its enlargement process is credible and that it is grounded in both citizens’ will and the substantive reforms achieved.
Now is the moment to act. The Republic of Moldova has fulfilled its part. The European Union must respond with equal resolve, showing that Europe is not only an aspiration but a concrete project that delivers real benefits to its citizens.”
Background:
Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, earlier stated that Ukraine and Moldova should open the first negotiating cluster together as part of the EU accession process. However, the letter makes no mention of Ukraine, nor does it mention that Hungary is blocking the Ukrainian part of the decision and making it impossible to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova simultaneously as expected through the standard procedure.
European Council President António Costa has been leading efforts to allow the opening of negotiating clusters by qualified majority vote instead of unanimity, potentially bypassing Hungary’s veto.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently stated that Ukraine should sign a strategic partnership agreement with the EU but that EU membership is “too much” and not supported by most Hungarians.
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