Lithuania expects Moldova's EU accession talks to start in March – president

VILNIUS – Lithuania expects the negotiation process for Moldova's accession to the European Union to begin in March, President Gitanas Nauseda told Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Wednesday.

"Lithuania hopes that the negotiation process will start in March, before the European Parliament elections, but until then Moldova must mobilize on reforms and do the rest of its homework," the president said.

Nauseda and Recean met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss the prospects for Moldova's EU accession talks, the Lithuanian president's office said in a press release. 

In mid-December, EU leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova.

Nauseda emphasized during Wednesday's meeting that the invitation is a significant acknowledgment of the progress made by Moldova and, at the same time, a task for the coming months and years.

"Ukraine has today implemented all of the European Commission's recommendations, so Moldova should not lag behind in the process and implement the remaining recommendations in the very near future," he said.

The president also offered Lithuania's assistance to Moldova, including sharing its experience in organizing the negotiation process and combating disinformation, according to the press release.