Moldova and Romania Parliamentary Committees Sign Joint Declaration for EU Accession in Bucharest

Joint Declaration Bolsters Moldova's European Path

Foreign policy committees from the parliaments of Moldova and Romania held a joint meeting in Bucharest on November 19, 2025, culminating in the signing of a significant joint declaration. The declaration underscores a shared commitment to advancing Moldova's European integration process and calls for the formal opening of accession negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2025.

The document specifically urges the European Council to initiate negotiations on Cluster 1 – 'Fundamental Values', with a view to progressing on the remaining five clusters as swiftly as possible. Senator Titus Corlatean, Chair of Romania's Senate Foreign Policy Committee, highlighted Moldova's substantial progress in implementing reforms, stating that 'Moldova earned its candidate status through hard work, with support from Romania and its partners.' He emphasized that, according to European Commission evaluations, Moldova ranks first among candidate states, providing strong arguments for starting accession negotiations this year.

Key Discussions and Participants

The meeting brought together high-level parliamentary delegations. The Moldovan delegation was led by Doina Gherman, Deputy Parliament Speaker and Chair of Moldova's Foreign Policy Committee. Other members included Adrian Balutel, Ion Groza, Mihail Druta, and Veronica Rosca, Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Romania. On the Romanian side, key figures included Senator Titus Corlatean, President of the Romanian Senate Mircea Abrudean, and Presidential Advisor for European Affairs Valentin Naumescu.

Discussions centered on several critical areas:

• Advancing Moldova's European integration process as the country fulfills its commitments.
• Romania's unwavering support for Moldova's European integration agenda.
• The broader support provided by the European Union for the Republic of Moldova.
• Regional security, a topic that has seen previous strategic dialogues between the defense committees of both parliaments.

Doina Gherman expressed gratitude for Romania's support, noting, 'Every time we come to Bucharest, we feel at home.' She affirmed that Romania remains Moldova's closest ally, both nationally and within European structures.

Strategic Partnership and Future Outlook

The joint declaration also calls for strengthening cooperation between the parliaments and governments of Romania and Moldova to accelerate progress toward the strategic goal of EU integration. It highlights that a new enlargement step by the European Commission represents a 'historic opportunity' for both partners and the Union. The declaration further emphasizes that EU accession is the only path to a 'secure, democratic, and prosperous future' for Moldova, ensuring freedom and sustainable development.

This meeting follows earlier high-level engagements, including a visit by Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu to Bucharest, where he emphasized Moldova's commitment to building its path alongside European states with Romania's constant support. The ongoing dialogue underscores the deep strategic partnership between the two nations, with Romania serving as a crucial advocate for Moldova's European aspirations.