This IIEA event will feature a keynote address by Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova and Chief Negotiator with the EU, outlining Moldova’s progress towards EU membership, key reform priorities, and the challenges shaping the accession process. Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov’s address is followed by a discussion with leading academic and policy experts examining Moldova’s advancement in the EU accession process, the broader evolution of EU enlargement, and the strategic context for Europe. This discussion also explore the role of EU Member States, including Ireland, in supporting Moldova’s path towards EU membership.

Cristina Gherasimov was appointed Deputy Prime-Minister for European Integration and Chief Negotiator with the European Union in January 2024 and reappointed in the Alexandru Munteanu Cabinet, formed after the parliamentary elections, held in September 2025. She previously served as Adviser to the President of the Republic of Moldova on Foreign Policy and European Integration, as well as holding the position of Secretary General of the Presidential Office. In these roles, Cristina Gherasimov served as the President's Sherpa for several European and global summits and events, such as the European Political Community Summit, UNGA, and Moldova Support Platform, among others. Her responsibilities extended to coordinating efforts in the area of foreign policy and EU integration process. For a short period after, Cristina Gherasimov also served as Secretary of State at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and European Integration. Prior to her service in the Moldovan government, Ms Gherasimov acquired a rich and diverse background in academia, research institutes, think tanks, and public organisations. Her experiences include teaching at Rutgers University, conducting research and being programme manager in institutions such as the Chatham House, Transparency International, and the German Council on Foreign Affairs. Cristina Gherasimov's focus on Eastern European countries and, in particular, the Republic of Moldova, and the EU integration processes has solidified her profile as an expert in the field. Cristina Gherasimov holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University, USA. She also holds a M.A. in International Relations from the University of Wroclaw in Poland, and a M.A. in Advanced International and European Studies from the European Institute for Advanced International Studies, in Nice, France.