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EU Membership

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Questions (112)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

112. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the application by Moldova to join the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15156/22]

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Written answers

Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement, and of the European perspective of the Eastern Partnership’s three associated partners, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Ukraine, in particular, has made impressive progress in aligning with EU standards and deserves recognition for their efforts to defend European values.

However, we are mindful that there is a clear distinction between the response to the situation in Ukraine and applications from Moldova and Georgia. I also note that Ukraine FM Kuleba specifically asked at the 4 March FAC that the three countries not be treated as a package.

On 10 March the European Council invited the Commission to submit its opinions on all three applications and to assess the applicant states' preparedness for accession.

This will be based on a number of criteria, primarily the Republic of Moldova's capacity to align with the EU acquis. In the past, it has taken up to three years for the Commission to revert to the Council with their opinion. Typically, the opinion will set out a number of deliverables to be fulfilled by the country before it can be considered an official candidate country. Once the opinion is accepted by the Council, the country becomes a potential candidate country (similar to both Bosnia and Kosovo) entitling them to extra technical support and guidance under a stabilisation agreement with a view to boosting the country’s preparedness for accession.

Ireland will continue to support the EU aspirations of Moldova, while urging its authorities for continued improvements, particularly in the priority areas of promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law, an independent judiciary and good governance.

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