{"id":172024,"date":"2026-10-16T03:00:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T01:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cde.ual.es\/?p=172024"},"modified":"2026-10-15T14:12:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T12:12:18","slug":"ampliacion-la-ue-y-moldavia-inician-negociaciones-sobre-mercado-interior-competitividad-y-crecimiento-inclusivo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cde.ual.es\/en\/ampliacion-la-ue-y-moldavia-inician-negociaciones-sobre-mercado-interior-competitividad-y-crecimiento-inclusivo\/","title":{"rendered":"Enlargement: the EU and Moldova begin negotiations on the internal market, competitiveness and inclusive growth"},"content":{"rendered":"

The EU and Moldova have taken another important step in the accession process by launching negotiations on the thematic chapters entitled \u2018Internal Market\u2019<\/strong> and \u2018Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth\u2019.<\/strong> The thematic chapters are essential elements of the negotiating framework for EU accession, as they set out the parameters that candidate countries must follow in order to align with the EU acquis in the relevant areas.<\/p>\n

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The \u2018Internal Market\u2019<\/strong> thematic group covers EU policies relating to the free movement of goods, services, workers and capital, as well as common rules on competition, financial services, company law and consumer protection.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth\u2019<\/strong> thematic group covers EU policies relating to economic competitiveness and growth, such as taxation, economic and monetary policy, industry, digital transformation, employment, education, research and customs.<\/p>\n

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Today we have taken another step forward on the path to Moldova\u2019s accession to the EU. Less than three months after launching negotiations on external relations policies, today\u2019s decision reflects the importance the Irish Presidency attaches to EU enlargement. Between now and the end of our term, we will spare no effort in opening the remaining thematic chapters.<\/em> \u2013 Thomas Byrne, Ireland\u2019s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

The EU has also set benchmarks<\/strong> for the forthcoming provisional closure of these chapters.<\/p>\n

Accession to the EU is a merit-based process. During the negotiations, progress in aligning with the EU acquis and relevant European standards, and in implementing them, will be monitored.<\/p>\n

Negotiations on the thematic cluster relating to external relations had already begun in July 2026, prior to the decision.<\/p>\n

Information on the thematic groups:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The thematic chapters are essential elements of the negotiating framework for EU accession, as they set out the parameters that candidate countries must follow in order to align with the EU acquis in the relevant areas. The thematic groups are divided into chapters, which correspond to the various policy areas under negotiation.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Internal Market\u2019<\/strong> thematic group comprises nine<\/strong> specific negotiation chapters on:<\/p>\n