The Republic of Moldova is nearing a major milestone in its European integration process, with formal European Union accession negotiations expected to begin in mid-June after receiving renewed backing from the European Parliament and indications that remaining political obstacles within the bloc may be removed. The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on June 3 adopted a report welcoming Moldova’s progress on reforms linked to EU membership, according to Agerpres . The text was approved by 58 votes in favour, 16 against, and three abstentions.