Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament in Chișinău: "The time has come to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova"
Chisinau, November 7, 2025 — In an unequivocal message delivered in the plenary of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, called for the immediate opening of accession negotiations with the European Union, emphasizing that "Moldova's European promise is no longer a distant idea, but a project that is taking shape".
"If this is a marathon, there must be a finish line, not gateposts that move," Metsola said, quoting President Maia Sandu. "Step by step, Moldova and its people have shown remarkable commitment. It is Europe's turn to respond – with the same clarity, the same courage, and the same faith in our common future. The time has come to open the accession negotiations."
The speech took place at the beginning of the new legislature in Chisinau, during a session dedicated to the European integration process. Metsola reaffirmed the full support of the European Parliament for Moldova's European path, emphasizing that "Moldova's future is European – and that future starts now." She also evoked the symbolism of the date of November 7 – 36 years after the protests of 1989, when young Moldovans defied Soviet tanks with candles in hand.
The President of the EP congratulated the Republic of Moldova for the "remarkable progress" made, confirmed in the European Commission's Enlargement Package published three days earlier. Metsola reminded that the country has completed the screening process, adopted roadmaps for strengthening the rule of law, and met the conditions for opening negotiation clusters. "Moldova is on track to open all of them by the end of the year," she said, adding that the country has firmly resisted disinformation and hybrid threats.
In the same speech, Metsola announced the opening of the European Parliament's Permanent Representation Office in Chisinau, a political signal of long-term support: "I am proud to officially announce the opening of a Permanent Representation of the European Parliament in Chisinau – a clear sign of our commitment to the countries of the Eastern Partnership and to Moldova's path towards the European Union. With this office, we will be here every day, on the ground, working alongside you and helping you maintain the pace. A promise made, a promise kept."
Metsola also mentioned the financial and technical support provided by the European Union: 18.9 million euros under the Reform and Growth Facility and 270 million euros in pre-financing, along with measures such as the review of the EU-Moldova Free Trade Area, the integration of the country into the SEPA area, and the expansion of the "Roam like at home" program.
This is not just a simple demonstration of generosity – it is a process that benefits everyone. Enlargement is, has been, and remains the strongest geopolitical tool of the European Union. In today's strategic reality, an expanded Union, based on clear and merit-based criteria, is the best investment in peace, security, and stability on the European continent.
The head of the European legislature praised Moldova's courage to reduce its energy dependence on Russia – "a choice for freedom instead of fear, for resilience instead of dependence, for Europe instead of constraint." She reminded that the European Parliament was the first EU institution to call for granting candidate status to Moldova, and now it will be the first to support the opening of negotiations.
At the end of the speech, Metsola reaffirmed that Europe needs Moldova as much as Moldova needs Europe, recalling the constant support of European leaders – Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk, and Friedrich Merz – who gathered in Chisinau in a sign of solidarity. "The doors of Europe are open. We just need to ensure that you can walk through them. Destiny calls you, and together we must respond," Metsola said.
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