Moldova and EU push accession talks as trade tensions simmer

The European Council confirmed the session will evaluate Moldova’s progress on critical reforms, specifically addressing the rule of law, fundamental rights, and efforts to dismantle organized crime networks. Parallel to the diplomatic track, EU lawmakers are pushing to finalize the child sexual abuse directive, a central component of the bloc’s strategy to enhance online safety for minors.

Trade policy remains a focal point for the coming days as Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič prepares for a series of high-level negotiations. On Wednesday, he meets with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun to advance a potential trade agreement between Brussels and Bangkok. By the end of June, Šefčovič faces a more contentious encounter with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, as the EU considers new trade defense measures to mitigate the influx of Chinese imports.