Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna hails a "momentous day" as the Cyprus Presidency successfully opens the critical "Fundamentals" cluster with Moldova, solidifying the island's key role in the EU’s eastern enlargement.

Opening the Fundamentals Cluster

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU concluded on Monday the 2nd EU-Moldova Accession Conference with the formal opening of the first cluster of accession negotiations, in what Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna described as "a momentous day for Moldova and for the whole of the European Union."

"The opening of Cluster 1 of the Fundamentals, marks a significant milestone in Moldova's European journey," Raouna said in statements to the press, stressing that "behind every reform, every legislative change, and every benchmark that has been met, stand the determination, hard work, and aspirations of the Moldovan people."

The Deputy Minister recalled her visit to Moldova ahead of the Presidency, where she experienced "first-hand, both in Chisinau and in the villages, the resilience, the strength and the perseverance of the Moldovan people." She also referenced President Christodoulides joining President Sandu to celebrate Europe Day during the Cyprus Presidency.

"This milestone has been achieved by hard, persistent work. It is the result of an impressive reform effort carried out with courage and remarkable dedication," she said, acknowledging Moldova's "clear commitment" to strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and the fight against corruption "under very adverse circumstances and interference."

The Core of the Accession Process

Raouna stressed that the opening of the Fundamentals Cluster "is especially meaningful because this is the cluster that lies at the heart of the accession process," adding that "progress in these areas strengthens not only Moldova's path towards membership, but also the trust of its citizens in their institutions."

She paid tribute to President Sandu, public servants, experts and civil society for their tireless work, and thanked all 27 member states, the European Commission and her "exceptional team at the Permanent Representation." She also recalled that for Cyprus — "the European Union's last member state still divided and under occupation", enlargement is more than a policy: "It is a security guarantee, it is an investment in a stronger, more secure, and more united Europe."

"Today, we turn an important page together, and we do so with full confidence in Moldova's European future," she concluded.

High Praise for the Cyprus Presidency

On her part, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos called it "a great day for the Republic of Moldova and a great day for Europe," describing the cluster opening as "a major advancement" that brings Moldova into the next stage of its accession path. She expressed the expectation that the remaining five negotiating clusters would be opened before summer.

Closing her remarks, Kos paid special tribute to the Cyprus Presidency and to Raouna personally. "We would not stand here today if it weren't for you and your team, this is really the success of the Cypriot Presidency," she said, recalling that at the outset "some were saying we would not make it, that it was impossible."

Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Murășan described the day as "a mega Monday in every sense," expressing hope it "will be reflected at some point in the history of Moldova, and hopefully in the history of the European Union as well." He thanked the Cyprus Presidency warmly, recalling the emotion of standing among young Moldovans at the Europe Day celebrations.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)