Lessons from Slovenia’s EU Accession for Moldova

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in cooperation with the Bureau for European Integration, hosted a special policy dialogue with Dr. Janez Potočnik, former Chief Negotiator for Slovenia’s EU accession and former European Commissioner for Environment.

The event brought together Moldovan civil society experts for a timely and insightful discussion on how Slovenia’s accession experience can help guide Moldova’s own EU path.

Key takeaways included:

✅ The need for transparency and strategic communication throughout negotiations;

✅ The recognition that accession negotiations are, first and foremost, internal negotiations;

✅ The importance of a clear and credible reform agenda;

✅ The essential role of civil society in ensuring a successful and sustainable EU integration process.

An open, inspiring exchange that reminded us that EU accession is not just about meeting criteria—it’s about building national consensus, trust, and vision.

#MoldovainEU #ThinkTanks4EUMembership  #10AniIPRE