Germany Pledges Support for Moldova's Path to EU Membership

Key Points

1. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to support Moldova's efforts to join the European Union.
2. Scholz met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean to discuss bilateral relations, security issues, and the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Moldova.
3. On June 25, 2024, EU ministers agreed to begin membership negotiations with Moldova.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has committed to backing Moldova's EU membership bid on behalf of Germany.

During a meeting in Chisinau with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, Scholz affirmed, "Germany stands firmly by Moldova’s side."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

"We will support the Republic of Moldova to the best of our ability."

President Sandu highlighted that Russia has been trying to interfere in Moldova's internal affairs, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming presidential election referendum in October.

In response, Scholz praised Moldova's resilience and ability to withstand these external destabilization efforts.

During his visit, Scholz also met with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean. They discussed bilateral relations, security policies, and the impact of Russia's actions in Ukraine on Moldova.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has faced numerous challenges, including a surge in refugees, inflation, airspace violations, and hybrid threats like cyber-attacks and disinformation.

To assist Moldova, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a Support Package for Moldova on June 28, 2023, focusing on five key priorities to address the repercussions of Russia's invasion and to bring Moldova closer to the EU.

Moldova Moves Closer to EU Membership

Moldova is making progress toward joining the European Union.

On June 25, 2024, the 27 EU ministers agreed to initiate accession talks with Moldova following the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council meeting.

Belgium, holding the rotating EU presidency at the time, confirmed the decision.

The Council of the European Union adopted the EU's general positions, including negotiating frameworks for accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.

Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

In December 2023, the European Union approved the start of accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine.

The EU stated that, provided certain reforms are implemented, accession negotiations should also begin with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia should be granted candidate status.

European Parliament

Moldova's path to EU membership began in March 2022, when the country applied to join the bloc.

Moldova was officially granted candidate status on June 22, 2022, and aims for EU accession by 2030.

To join the EU, candidate countries must meet and align with EU laws and standards.

In December 2023, the EU also approved accession talks with four Balkan countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.