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PoliticsEU opens accession negotiations with Moldova on foreign policy and defence
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The European Union has opened accession negotiations with Moldova in the fields of foreign policy and defence, also covering trade policy and humanitarian aid. Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne announced the milestone during the Irish Presidency, noting that the pace of work demonstrates the EU's commitment to enlargement. Moldova has held EU candidate status since June 2022, with formal accession negotiations launched in June 2024. In June 2026, negotiations began on the 'fundamentals' cluster, covering rule of law, fundamental rights, justice, freedom, security, democratic institutions, public administration reform, and market economy functioning. The article lists current EU candidate countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The accession process remains lengthy and requires extensive reforms, with the latest decision opening two clusters for Ukraine and Moldova.
Source report
“Today, during the Irish Presidency, we have taken another step forward with Moldova on its path to membership. Just one month after opening the first cluster, the pace of work demonstrates how much importance we attach to the enlargement of the Union,” stated Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne.
Key Developments
- Moldova has held EU candidate status for four years, having received it in June 2022.
- Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024.
- In June 2026, negotiations began on the so-called “fundamentals” cluster.
The “Fundamentals” Cluster
This cluster covers the Union’s acquis in the following areas:
- Rule of law
- Fundamental rights
- Justice, freedom, and security
- Functioning of democratic institutions
- Public administration reform
- Functioning of a market economy
Current EU Candidate Countries
The following countries are currently candidates for EU membership:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Moldova
- Serbia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
Context
The accession process is long and requires numerous reforms in candidate countries. It is progressing slowly. The Union’s latest decision on this matter concerned the opening of two clusters for Ukraine and Moldova.
By Patryk Jagnieża 15 July 2026, 10:55
Tags: EUROPEAN UNION | UKRAINE | MOLDOVA
Source
Defence24.comWestern
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EU Opens Accession Negotiations with Moldova on Foreign Policy and Defence