Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

217. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on Transnistria and its recognition as part of Moldova; the way in which the question of Transnistria impacts on Moldova's potential EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61830/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports a comprehensive, peaceful, and sustainable settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders.

Moldova was granted EU candidate country status in June 2022 and the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova in December 2023. The 2025 enlargement package was published on 4 November 2025 and outlines the state of play for each candidate and potential candidate country. I welcome that this report confirms that Moldova has progressed on its accession path with accelerated speed and significantly deepened its cooperation with the EU over the past year. In her speech accompanying this publication, Commissioner Kos confirmed that Moldova made the biggest one-year progress from all candidates, which is a significant achievement.

Ireland has consistently pushed for the opening of Cluster 1 negotiations for Moldova as part of their EU accession process. Opening negotiations will send a clear signal to those living on both sides of the Dniester that EU membership can be realised in the coming years. The EU will have an important role to play in supporting the reintegration of Transnistria, providing both expertise and financial assistance to the Moldovan authorities.

The Moldovan people have consistently affirmed their commitment to EU membership, both through the 28 September parliamentary elections this year, and in last year’s referendum that enshrined the goal of EU membership in its constitution.

It is my understanding that the new Moldovan government is prioritising a parallel process of harmonisation with EU standards, and a gradual reintegration of Transnistria into the social and economic spaces of Moldova. Economic integration is already at a high level, with over three-quarters of goods from the Transnistrian region being exported via the rest of Moldova to the EU since the start of the year