Closer to the European Union: Republic of Moldova is aligning the national legislation with the European one

The EU integration process is of particular importance for the Republic of Moldova and represents a key component of the country’s development strategy. This process is not only a political and economic matter but also a legal one, particularly the approximation of national legislation with the EU acquis.

This topic was fully developed in the handbook “The legal approximation as a key element for the successful integration process of the Republic of Moldova in the European Union”  launched on January 12 at the EU information center, Europe Cafe.

The event was presided over by the Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Jānis Mažeiks, the Secretary of State of the Government, Adrian Băluțel, the Head of the Legislation Harmonization Centre of the State Chancellery, Natalia Suceveanu, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Vladimir Cuc, as well as the co-authors of the book, international experts, legal practitioners Vladimir Međak and Primož Vehar, with the participation of representatives of state institutions, NGOs and national mass-media.

The book presents theoretical and practical information on European legislation and the basic principles of functioning of the European Union institutions, explains the basic steps of the legal approximation process and the related national framework, presents the next steps for the Republic of Moldova in the EU accession negotiations and the role of the national Parliament in this process.

”The well-established and functioning EU integration structure is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the most demanding task on the way to the EU membership which is the legal approximation.  Contrary to the simplified belief, the legal approximation is not a simple method where the EU candidate country takes over the EU legislation by copy-pasting it into its legal system. On the contrary, it is a structured, systemic, and well-organized process composed of planning, drafting, and adopting legislative acts. Of course, the EU will continue providing help and support in this demanding process through advice, sharing experience, and through technical assistance. The handbook which is presented today is an example of this support. The book is very practically written and reflects that both authors have great personal experience in the field”, said His Excellency Jānis Mažeiks.

The publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union, within the framework of the Project “Support for structured policy dialogue, coordination of the implementation of the Association Agreement and enhancement of the process of the legal approximation process”, jointly with the Legislation Harmonization Centre of the State Chancellery.

In the process of accession to the European Union, the Government has the task of managing the transposition of the 34 chapters of the EU acquis into national legislation. Hundreds of civil servants will be involved in this process, and the handbook will provide a solid basis of expertise in this respect.