Moldovan president, EU ambassador discuss prospects for speeding up Moldova's EU integration

CHISINAU. Nov 10 (Interfax) - Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova Janis Mazeiks have discussed reforms that help expedite the process of Moldova's integration into the EU.

Sandu thanked the European Commission for its decision to recommend that the European Council start accession talks with Moldova.

"She highly assessed the support the EU has been extending to our country, especially in the recent period. The parties discussed ongoing reforms and steps that need to be taken prior to the European Council meeting on December 14-15," the Moldovan president's press service said in a statement.

"Accession to the European Union is the only way to protect our freedom, peace and democracy and to raise the standards of living for all citizens," Sandu said.

Mazeiks said the day before that following the European Commission's recommendation to start talks on Moldova's accession to the EU, Chisinau would have to adopt a number of measures.

"Six of the nine recommendations made by the European Commission in June 2022 have been implemented. There is progress on another three recommendations, but there is still work to be done. Some things are still to be done in the coming months, the timetable for Moldova has already been set," Mazeiks said.

The European Commission's decision will be discussed at the European Council summit in December of this year.

"EU leaders may support the European Commission's proposal to start negotiations. In this case, the Commission will once again assess Moldova's progress in March 2024, and then negotiations can be launched," Mazeiks said.