FILE PHOTO: Moldova's newly appointed Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi attends a swearing-in ceremony in Chisinau, Moldova, January 29, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo
MUNICH (Reuters) - Moldova is "cautiously optimistic" that it can begin formal talks to join the European Union before the bloc's parliamentary elections in June, its foreign minister said on Friday.
Moldova, the small former Soviet republic led by pro-European president Maia Sandu, was given the green light by the EU in December to open negotiations on joining the 27-nation bloc, along with neighbouring Ukraine. Both countries face a long process involving many changes and reforms to meet EU standards.
