On 15 June 2026, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova reached a significant milestone by opening negotiations on the first cluster, “Fundamentals”. The National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum welcomes this moment and acknowledges the sustained efforts of the Moldovan authorities, European institutions and the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in achieving this result.
At the same time, civil society in the Republic of Moldova understands that the opening of negotiations marks the start of the most demanding stage of the European integration process – real, verifiable and sustainable reforms in the areas covered by Cluster 1. We sign this statement to express our commitment to the values enshrined in this cluster and to the responsibilities it entails. In this context, the position of civil society is as follows:
- Chapter 23 covers areas in which the Republic of Moldova has made notable progress in recent years, but where institutional fragility remains a reality: the selection and promotion of judges based on integrity criteria, the fight against high-level corruption, the effective independence of the Superior Council of Magistracy and of the Prosecutor’s Office, and the protection of human rights, including for vulnerable groups. Civil society will closely monitor whether legal reforms are implemented in both their letter and spirit and will signal any attempt at regression or institutional capture;
- The National Platform calls for the establishment of a formal and transparent mechanism for consulting civil society in the negotiation process on Cluster 1. The experience of states that have gone through this stage demonstrates that the structured involvement of non-governmental organisations, academia and social partners in monitoring interim benchmarks increases the quality of reforms and reduces the risk of post-accession backsliding;
- The accession process is merit-based, and monitoring progress in aligning with and implementing the EU acquis will continue throughout the negotiations. Civil society fully supports this principle and calls on the authorities to publish, regularly and in an accessible manner, the state of fulfilment of each interim benchmark, including through progress reports to which non-governmental organisations can contribute independent observations;
- Cluster 1 enshrines the values that justify the entire European project: human dignity, the rule of law, equality before the law, freedom of the press and freedom of association. The National Platform recalls that any attempt to accelerate negotiations through compromises on these values would undermine both the legitimacy of the process and public support for European integration;
- Chapter 23 also entails alignment with European standards on non-discrimination, personal data protection, children’s rights and the rights of persons with disabilities. Member organisations of the National Platform working with these groups will closely monitor whether reforms are accompanied by effective implementation mechanisms and adequate resources.
The opening of negotiations on Cluster 1 is a landmark moment in the history of the Republic of Moldova. It is both a promise to citizens and a test for the political class. Civil society organisations are actors with direct responsibility for monitoring, documenting and publicly signalling progress and setbacks. The National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum reaffirms its commitment to European values, the rule of law and to a democratic, inclusive Republic of Moldova, irreversibly anchored in the European family.
Chisinau, 16 June 2026
