The European Commission has forwarded the draft negotiating framework with the Republic of Moldova to the European Council
The European Commission has completed the draft negotiating frameworks with Moldova and Ukraine, and will present them to the European Council, as stated in a release by the European Union's executive body. Additionally, the Commission will provide an oral update to the Council regarding the progress made by both countries in implementing the recommendations outlined in the Commission's report on the EU's 2023 enlargement package released on 8 November.
"The Negotiating Frameworks outline the guidelines and principles for the accession negotiations with each candidate country. The draft frameworks are structured into three main parts: 1) principles governing the accession negotiations, 2) negotiation content, and 3) negotiation procedure," the press release elaborates. "The objective of the negotiations is for Moldova and Ukraine to adopt the entire EU acquis and ensure its comprehensive implementation and enforcement."
The Commission emphasizes that the proposals for the draft negotiating frameworks are built upon the lessons learned from previous enlargements and ongoing accession negotiations with other states. They incorporate the revised EU enlargement methodology and consider the evolving nature of the EU acquis.
Henceforth, the responsibility lies with the Council to commence internal deliberations on these documents. Subsequently, upon the Council's adoption of the negotiating frameworks, the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union will present the unified position of the 27 Member States during the inaugural intergovernmental conference with each candidate country, thereby formally initiating the accession negotiations. The negotiating frameworks will be made public following approval by the intergovernmental conference.
As a reminder, in December 2023, the European Council endorsed the commencement of EU accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Both countries were granted candidate status on 23 June 2022.

