The Council of the EU welcomed the progress made by the Republic of Moldova over the past year in advancing the necessary reforms on its path towards EU membership, according to conclusions on the European Union's Enlargement Process, approved at its meeting on Tuesday, 17 December. It covers six Western Balkan states, Turkey, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia.

The conclusions emphasise that the European Union reaffirms its strong support for Moldova's European path, stressing that reforms have continued, despite the challenges caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the Russian Federation's constant hybrid attacks against Moldova.

The Council welcomes the fact that the screening process is progressing according to plan, and looks forward to concluding it and to taking the next steps in Moldova's accession process by opening cluster negotiations, starting as soon as possible with the one on fundamental values.

The Council welcomes Moldova's approach to deoligarchisation and recommends further implementation of the related action plan, as well as progress in the implementation of the justice reform, including the vetting process, and stepping up the fight against corruption.

The Council also welcomed the result of the referendum from 20 October, which confirms citizens' commitment to Moldova's European path. In this regard, the country's resilience in the face of Russian hybrid attacks was appreciated and the EU's continued support was reconfirmed in combating disinformation and external interference in internal democratic processes.

In addition, the Council welcomed the Commission's proposal in early October on the Economic Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, noting also the approval on the same day of the mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the financing instrument for the Plan. The plan provides for financial support of up to EUR 1.8 billion for the period 2025-2027, which will be used to modernise infrastructure, implement socio-economic reforms and integrate the country into the European single market.

The Council appreciates the consistent cooperation in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including the determined efforts to align with the CFSP and to prevent circumvention of sanctions, as well as the signing of the Moldova-EU Security and Defence Partnership, while welcoming the active participation in EU missions and operations in the field of the Common Security and Defence Policy.