Moldova Eyes Window of EU Opportunity; Justice Reform Proves Hard

Moldova’s pro-European leaders may have the will to reform the justice system in the race for EU accession talks, but capacity is another matter.

Moldova will get first feedback from the European Commission concerning its progress as a membership candidate in mid-2023, and a fuller picture in the autumn. If the country is to stand any hope of opening accession talks, judicial reform will be crucial, experts say.

Racing to consolidate its position in the region in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union awarded Kyiv and Chisinau with much-coveted candidate status in June this year, just months after they submitted applications.

But before accession negotiations with Moldova can begin, the EU is seeking a raft of reforms, most of which concern the judiciary.