European Commission Report 2026: Moldova is making progress, but how prepared are we really for accession to the European Union?

The European Commission’s report confirms that the Republic of Moldova has made progress in most areas. These achievements deserve recognition. However, beyond the authorities’ optimistic statements, the document also highlights significant shortcomings that could affect the pace of European integration.

📊 The figures speak for themselves:

🔴 16 out of 33 negotiating chapters are below the level of “moderately prepared”.

🔴 Not a single chapter has reached an advanced level of preparedness.

🟡 Only 3 chapters demonstrate a good level of preparedness: Customs Union, Energy, and Foreign, Security and Defence Policy.

🔴 In 24 out of 31 chapters assessed, the European Commission’s recommendations from the previous year have been only partially implemented.

⚠️ Where are the most significant shortcomings?

⚖️ Justice and the fight against corruption. The vetting of judges is progressing, but the Supreme Court of Justice is not yet operating at full capacity, while results in combating high-level corruption remain insufficient.

💰 Economy and public finances. The persistent budget deficit, insufficient public investment, and fiscal reforms that have yet to deliver tangible results continue to affect the economy.

📉 Economic competitiveness. Low levels of foreign investment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and labour shortages limit Moldova’s ability to compete in the European market.

🇪🇺 Preparedness for EU funding. The administrative systems required to manage European subsidies, including those intended for farmers, are still under development.

📊 Taxation and statistics. The Republic of Moldova needs to accelerate alignment with European standards and modernise its taxation and statistical systems.

🌱 Environment and climate change. Delays persist in waste management, biodiversity protection, and emissions monitoring.

❗ Progress must not be confused with preparedness. Making progress in a particular area does not automatically mean that we are ready for EU accession.

📢 The “Construim înCREDere!” Movement calls on the Government to:

✅ Develop a public action plan for implementing the European Commission’s recommendations, with clear deadlines, responsible institutions, and funding sources.

✅ Report quarterly and transparently on progress and outstanding shortcomings.

✅ Prioritise reforms in the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and other fundamental areas.

✅ Establish a concrete timetable for developing the systems required to access EU funds.

✅ Transparently present the costs associated with accession to the European Union.

🇲🇩 We support the Republic of Moldova’s European integration. That is precisely why we believe this process must be assessed objectively, rather than turned into a public relations exercise.

The objective of concluding accession negotiations by 2028 is ambitious. Achieving it requires functioning institutions, genuine reforms, accountability, and measurable results.

European integration is not achieved through press releases, but through reforms that improve citizens’ lives.

EU accession is a national project, not a public relations campaign!