19 March 2024, Chisinau - The priorities of the Bureau for European Integration (BIE), the role of the institution in the accession process of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, as well as the institutional needs for expertise and assistance to external partners in the negotiation process, were the topics of the meeting between Ghenadie Marian, head of the( BIE) and Cecilia Sternemo from the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), together with a Swedish delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Sweden, on mission in Chisinau.

Ghenadie Marian presented the current situation of the BIE's work, its functionality and the challenges faced by the Bureau in inter-institutional coordination, with a focus on the explanatory screening sessions, which are being held in Brussels during this period.

During the meeting, which took place on 15 March, the need for external technical assistance for training of staff and working groups, equipment, investment in human and institutional capacity building, as well as support in accelerating the implementation of the measures of the National Plan for the Accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU 2024-2027 was highlighted.

"The Bureau for European Integration needs support to carry out its institutional functions and the contribution of external partners and donors will be highly appreciated," said the Head of the BIE.

The Swedish side appreciated the significant level of progress made by the Republic of Moldova on its European course. On behalf of the whole delegation, Cecilia Sternemo, affirmed the continued support of the FBA and the NDI, which is cooperating with the Government in Chisinau, for the strengthening of public administration in the Republic of Moldova and the promotion of the country's EU accession perspective.

The meeting agreed to continue discussions to finalise, in coordination with other donors, the modalities for planning and channelling external support, taking into account the needs of the BIE and the accession working groups.