Stronger cooperation between the EU and UN to support the sustainable development of the country

The European Union and the United Nations have strong complementary roles to play which are key to deliver on shared priorities, notably the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as – increasingly – on the EU integration path.

At the same time, the Republic of Moldova is committed to achieve the SDGs on its way to becoming an EU member state, this being highlighted by the European Moldova 2030 action plan. 

Jānis Mažeiks, the EU ambassador to the Republic of Moldova mentioned in his opening remarks: ”The European Commission has proposed the opening of accession negotiations with Moldova, and should the Council agree, this will above all mean an acceleration of the pace of Moldova’s EU accession. The country will need to step up their efforts and we – their partners – need to support them even more. And our support needs to be more focused and more coordinated” 

”The EU embraces the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a unique opportunity for a better future. The global vision behind the SDGs to act for people, planet and prosperity is fully in line with the European agenda. For us, the United Nations in Moldova, it is important to ensure alignment of both SDG and EU agendas, as well as all our actions to be aligned with the government's efforts to implement the reforms needed for the EU accession.” highlighted Simon Springett, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Moldova. 

”EU integration is a clear priority of the government. Six out of the nine EU recommendations have been completed while the remaining three are due by March 2024 opening the negotiations for EU integration of Moldova. The government counts on the kind support of its partners for the implementation of the envisaged strategic actions in line with the country’s development path.” pointed out Artur Mija, Secretary General of the Government.  

The meeting ended with the agreement from both sides on the necessity to increase the coordination between the EU and UN by complementing each other on activities of joint interest that are in line with Agenda2030 and EU accession priorities, as well as to share information and participate in key meetings organized by both sides throughout the year. 

The UN Sustainable Development Coordination Framework 2023-2027 (UNSDCF) signed with Government in December 2022 is in line with 24 out of 35 EU negotiation chapters and requirements.