17 March 2026, Brussels – Today, in Brussels, the meeting of European Affairs ministers from the 27 EU member states took place within the framework of the General Affairs Council. 

During the meeting, under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Republic of Moldova took another important step on its path toward the EU— opened technical negotiations on the last three clusters of chapters:

• Cluster 3 – Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth

• Cluster 4 – Green Deal and Sustainable Connectivity

• Cluster 5 – Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion.

’This is a recognition of our institutional efforts and a confirmation of external partners’ confidence in our country and its people. Progress in the negotiations will mean, in practice, a stronger economy, investments in modern infrastructure and transportation, a cleaner environment, safer food standards, quality education, and better public services for citizens,’ said Cristina Gherasimov. 

Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov presented Moldova’s position on the three clusters to the CAG and expressed hope that official negotiations would begin as soon as possible. 

We recall that at the end of last year, during the Danish presidency of the EU Council, our country opened technical negotiations on three groups of chapters: Cluster 1 – Fundamentals, Cluster 2 – Internal Market, and Cluster 6 – External Relations.

With the opening of technical discussions, the progress made by the Republic of Moldova is regularly monitored by the European Commission.