The EU Council announced on Monday evening that the EU and Moldova have "reached an important milestone" by opening the country's first cluster of EU accession negotiations on fundamental issues. "We are encouraged by the significant progress made and look forward to continuing to support Moldova on its path to Europe, bringing it closer to the goal of EU membership and the opportunities this will create for its citizens," said Marilena, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU Rauna.