The European Union and Moldova reiterate their strong partnership and announce the disbursement of €157 million under Growth Plan funding at the 10th EU-Moldova Association Council

The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Moldova (hereinafter 'Moldova') held the tenth meeting of the Association Council today in Brussels. The meeting underlined the shared strategic objective of Moldova’s EU accession and sent an unequivocal message that Moldova is moving decisively towards EU membership, and its future is firmly anchored in the European Union.
The parties welcomed the recent opening of clusters 1 (fundamentals) and 6 (external relations), and Moldova’s continued alignment across all chapters of the EU acquis, and in particular its progress on the rule of law, justice reform and the fight against corruption. The parties looked forward to the opening of the remaining clusters and stressed the importance of broad societal support for accession, including through strategic communication on its benefits and obligations and countering disinformation.

The EU underlined the importance of Moldova’s continued efforts to strengthen an independent, impartial and professional judiciary, including through the vetting of judges and prosecutors. It also stressed the need to build a solid track record of corruption investigations, prosecutions and final court rulings. The EU welcomed progress on public administration reform and highlighted the role of an effective and professional civil service capable of delivering quality public services, as well as an inclusive reform process.