Moldova is seeking to formally begin membership negotiations with the European Union before its parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov said in Brussels, Reuters reported on July 4. Gherasimov argued that an early start to talks would demonstrate tangible progress to voters and help counter Russian-backed disinformation.

Moldova, along with neighbouring Ukraine, officially began accession talks with the EU in June 2024. However, the process has yet to move into substantive negotiations on policy clusters. While the European Commission and most member states have confirmed that both countries meet the necessary criteria to open negotiations, progress has stalled due to internal EU dynamics.

“For Moldova, the timing is crucial. We have elections on September 28, parliamentary elections where disinformation unfortunately plays a big role, and most of this disinformation targets the EU,” Gherasimov stated. She noted that pro-Russian media outlets and political actors continue to circulate claims that the EU has no intention of admitting Moldova as a member.

Hungary has blocked Ukraine’s advancement to the next stage of negotiations, creating a broader impasse. EU member states are reportedly hesitant to allow Moldova to proceed without a parallel move for Ukraine, fearing this could undermine regional unity and stoke political tension.

Ahead of the Moldova-EU summit held in Chisinau on July 4, European leaders faced pressure to demonstrate continued commitment to Moldova’s EU path, while also maintaining a balanced approach with Ukraine.

“We truly trust the member states that a solution will be found both for Moldova and for Ukraine to open cluster one in the near future,” Gherasimov told Reuters. “We need to show that when we deliver on our side, this is reciprocated by the EU. And this will help us silence those narratives that want to prove the contrary.”

Moldova continues to face significant challenges from foreign disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia, which opposes its Western integration. The Moldovan government has made judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts and institutional strengthening central to its European agenda.