Ireland has reaffirmed its support for Moldova’s European future after Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne TD welcomed Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, to Dublin on 30 September 2026. The meeting focused on Moldova EU accession and the next steps in its pathway towards membership.
Moldova EU Accession Discussed at Government Buildings
Minister Byrne met Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov at Government Buildings to discuss how Ireland can help advance Moldova’s accession negotiations. The engagement comes as EU enlargement remains a key priority of Ireland’s EU Presidency.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Byrne reiterated Ireland’s strong commitment to enlargement and highlighted efforts to secure further progress in the coming months. Ireland’s approach places particular emphasis on supporting candidate countries as they undertake the legal and institutional reforms required for EU membership.
Moldova’s progress in the accession process
Minister Byrne described Moldova as one of the frontrunners in the accession process. In July, he chaired the third Accession Conference with Moldova, which marked the opening of Cluster 6 on External Relations.
Ireland will continue working with other EU Member States to support the opening of the remaining negotiating clusters. These clusters cover areas of EU law and policy that candidate countries must progressively align with before membership can be completed.
- Moldova has made notable progress in its EU accession preparations.
- The third Accession Conference marked the opening of Cluster 6.
- Ireland intends to support progress across the remaining clusters.
- Rule of law reform remains central to Moldova’s European pathway.
Rule of Law Reform and External Interference
The discussions also addressed the wider challenges facing Moldova, including hybrid threats and external interference. Minister Byrne said Moldova is working to align its laws with EU standards while strengthening the institutions needed to support democratic governance and the rule of law.
Minister Byrne previously visited Chișinău and said his regular engagement with the Moldovan government has given him an insight into the work being undertaken. He is also due to speak alongside Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov at an Institute of International and European Affairs event focused on Moldova’s rule of law reforms and EU accession.
Ireland’s Role in EU Enlargement
The Minister said EU enlargement benefits both Moldova and existing Member States. Ireland’s support reflects its broader role in European diplomacy, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and involving cooperation with European partners on security, governance and international relations.
For Moldova, membership negotiations require continued progress across legislation, public administration and institutional safeguards. For the European Union, enlargement is linked to stability, resilience and stronger democratic partnerships in its neighbourhood.
What Moldova EU Accession Means Next
The Dublin meeting underlines Ireland’s intention to remain actively engaged as Moldova advances through the accession process. The immediate focus will be on opening further negotiating clusters and supporting reforms, particularly in relation to the rule of law.
Minister Byrne stated that Moldova’s future lies within the EU and confirmed Ireland’s full support for the country’s path towards membership. The process remains dependent on sustained reform and agreement among EU Member States, but the meeting signals continued political backing from Ireland.
Key takeaway: Moldova EU accession remains a significant priority for Ireland’s European policy, with Dublin supporting further negotiations, institutional reform and the country’s long-term goal of joining the European Union.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
