Moldova–European Union relations
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Relations between the European Union (EU) and Moldova are currently shaped via the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), an EU foreign policy instrument dealing with countries bordering its member states.
European Union |
Moldova |
---|---|
Diplomatic mission | |
European Union Delegation, Chișinău | Mission of Moldova, Brussels |
Moldova has strong ties to EU member state Romania. During the interwar period the two countries were united. They share a common language, traditions and culture. The Moldovan flag is a modified version of the Romanian equivalent, with the Moldovan arms superimposed in its centre. Despite Moldovan nationalist tendencies and a sizable Russophone minority, the Romanians, whilst having no ongoing claim to Moldovan territory per se, see Moldovans as culturally and ethnically Romanian. The former period of union enables Romanian passports and concurrent EU citizenship to be routinely granted to Moldovans on the basis of descent. A proportion of Moldovans currently identify as Romanian (see below).
The level of poverty in Moldova (the country is the poorest among the potential EU members) is a stumbling block to accession. The Transnistria conflict, concerning a self-proclaimed breakaway republic supported by Russia, is also an obstacle.
Nevertheless, the EU is developing an increasingly close relationship with Moldova, going beyond cooperation, to gradual economic integration and a deepening of political cooperation.[1] The EU has opened an office in Chișinău (the Moldovan capital), and on 23 March 2005 appointed Adriaan Jacobovits de Szeged as special representative to Moldova with a focus on the resolution of the crisis in Transnistria. The European Commission opened up a new office in Moldova on 6 October 2005 headed by Cesare de Montis. In June 2021, the European Commission announced Moldova will receive 600 million euros between 2021 and 2024, to help it recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and develop as a country.[2] The major strategic priority of Moldova is now seeking membership in European institutions.[3]
Following the outbreak of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Maia Sandu signed on 3 March 2022 the application for EU membership, together with Igor Grosu, the President of the Moldovan Parliament and Natalia Gavrilița, the Prime Minister of Moldova.[4] On 23 June, Moldova received EU candidate status, together with Ukraine, under the commitment of structural reforms.