Lithuania expects Moldova's EU membership talks to start in early summer – PM

VILNIUS – Lithuania expects talks on Moldova's EU membership to begin in early summer, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said as she hosted her Moldovan counterpart Dorin Recean in Vilnius on Thursday.

"Moldova's progress in implementing the reforms necessary for EU membership deserves not only praise, but also a real start of negotiations as soon as possible," Simonyte said in a press release after the meeting. 

"Having walked this path 20 years ago, Lithuania knows the importance of support and will continue to be a reliable partner always ready to help Moldova, as well as Ukraine," she added. 

The two prime ministers also discussed the security situation amid Russia's continuing war against Ukraine, and bilateral cooperation.

Simonyte described Moldova's progress in the reform agenda as significant, emphasizing the importance of continuing the efforts.

She said that Lithuania is looking to step up cooperation with Moldova in the fight against disinformation, cyber and hybrid threats.

The officials also discussed the situation in Transnistria, energy security and other topical issues of bilateral relations.