Moldova has taken another important step toward EU accession, while negotiations on the first ‘fundamentals’ cluster, have officially opened in Luxembourg
As noted by the Moldovan government, this decision confirms that our country’s efforts to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and the modernization of state institutions are being recognized at the European level. The ‘fundamentals’ cluster covers issues of justice, the fight against corruption, the functioning of democratic institutions, and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms. The opening of negotiations marks the beginning of a new stage on Moldova’s path to EU membership and reaffirms the country’s commitment to the European course. As noted in the EU Council’s statement, this first negotiation cluster includes the most important components of EU legislation concerning the rule of law and fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, and economic criteria. Cluster 1 ‘fundamentals’ includes the following chapters to be discussed: Chapter 23 “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights,” Chapter 24 “Justice, Freedom, and Security,” Chapter 5 “Public Procurement,” Chapter 18 “Statistics,” and Chapter 32 “Financial Control.” The EU has also established interim benchmarks for both the horizontal level of the cluster and for the chapters concerning the rule of law (23 and 24). These benchmarks must be met before the negotiation process can move into its final phase and the provisional closure of the chapters under discussion can begin. In addition, the EU has set benchmarks for the provisional closure of other chapters concerning public procurement, statistics, and financial control (5, 18, and 32). Negotiations on the ‘fundamentals’ cluster are the first to open and the last to close in the EU accession process. Progress within this cluster will determine the overall pace of negotiations. Accession is merit-based. Monitoring of progress in line with EU legislation and relevant European standards, as well as their implementation, will continue throughout the negotiations. Following the introduction of the revised accession negotiation methodology in 2020, the negotiation chapters are divided into six clusters: Fundamentals; Internal Market; Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth; Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity; Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion; External Relations. // 16.06.2026 — InfoMarket
