European leaders reaffirm support for reforms in Moldova, opening of accession negotiations

The leaders of the European Union and the ones of Moldova today brough together in Chișinău for the first bilateral Summit; they adopted a joint declaration noting the progress made by the country in implementing reforms and reaffirming the EU's strong commitment to supporting Moldova on its European path. Also, following the Summit, the disbursement of the first installment of 270 million euros from the Growth Plan was announced, and European officials said they expect the opening of all negotiation chapters ‘’as soon as possible.’’

The final declaration of the Summit reads that the latter marks a significant step in deepening the relations between Moldova and the EU and reaffirms the joint commitment to peace, security, stability and prosperity across Europe.

‘’The Summit reflects the considerable progress of our partnership and the tangible benefits it brings to our citizens. The future of Moldova and its people is in the European Union,’’ the declaration reads.

At the same time, the leaders emphasized in the document that ‘’Moldova and the EU cooperate closer than ever, both politically and economically, in the face of increasingly intense threats to regional security, caused by Russia's unjustified and unprovoked war aggression against Ukraine.’’

‘’The EU reaffirms its firm commitment to support Moldova on its reform path for EU accession. We welcome the progress made by Moldova in the reform process, despite significant challenges caused by external factors. Enlargement represents a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. We reiterate our commitment to advance quickly in Moldova's EU accession process, based on credible reforms and the principle of merit,’’ the declaration reads.





 

The leaders also reaffirmed that the future of Moldova must be freely and democratically decided by its citizens, without external pressures, foreign interference, or manipulation.

‘’We strongly condemn Russia's persistent and growing hybrid threats, aimed at undermining democratic choices in Moldova, including through manipulation, informational interference and widespread electoral corruption via local proxies,’’ EU and Moldovan leaders emphasized.

Following the conclusion of the Summit, President Maia Sandu held a joint news conference alongside European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In her message, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that  Moldova was constantly progressing in the accession process and that the country is ready to open negotiations on the first group of chapters regarding core values.





‘’Twelve months ago, we opened negotiations. Nine months ago, we decided on the Growth Plan for Moldova, and 8 months ago, the citizens of Moldova enshrined their European future in the Constitution. Moldova is ready to open the negotiation chapter on fundamental values and we are eager to open all chapters for the negotiation process as quickly as possible. At the same time, we continue to work quite closely. You have proved genuine solidarity,’’ said the President of the European Commission.

Ursula von der Leyen noted that Moldova was a reliable partner and the European Union would protect the freedom, democracy, identity and security of Moldova. Additionally, the official said that the EU would continue to provide support to the  country in various fields.

‘’We have committed to protecting the country against economic crises, against hybrid attacks. Moldova has been a victim of these attacks and it is clear to everyone who is behind them. We are connecting Moldova to the European Union's energy market, in order to have stable flows and no longer admit energy blackmail,’’ said Ursula von der Leyen.

The President of the European Commission announced the disbursement of the first 270 million euros from the Growth Plan for Moldova.

‘’In parallel with the accession negotiations, we are trying to bring Moldova's economy as close as possible to our economy. Today, I can announce the release of the first 270 million euros as part of the Growth Plan for Moldova. You have delivered results on reforms and we deliver the promised results, on our behalf, to invest, to support the country,’’ stated Ursula von der Leyen.

Also, the official announced that roaming charges would be eliminated.

‘’We stand by each other when it matters most. Moldova has a place in our European family. And you said it very well, the European Union is already here and happening here,’’ concluded Ursula von der Leyen.

At the same time, European Council President António Costa said that the Summit represented a milestone in deepening relations between the two sides. According to him, Moldovans have democratically decided that the future of Moldova is within the European Union, and ‘’the EU is here to support Moldova in every step it undertakes on this path.’’

The official further added that the progress made by Moldova on its European path was remarkable, but also emphasized that the accession process is not a box-ticking exercise, requiring sustained efforts and reforms to bring tangible results for citizens.





 

‘’These benefits are already very visible for people in their daily lives, through the visa waiver regime, through roaming, through investments in infrastructure, and through support for energy systems. Last winter, the European Union provided 70 million euros for compensating heating invoices and 30 million for compensating electricity consumption costs. Besides this, the European Union financed the modernization of 700 km of roads and 200 km of railways, as well as the renovation of 22 hospitals and 120 schools,’’ said President of the European Council António Costa.

The official specified that the participants in the Summit had ruled to continue efforts to accelerate Moldova's accession process for integration into the European Union's single market, to stimulate growth, to support the business environment, to create new jobs and to improve living standards.

'The European Union is a reliable partner, a predictable partner for Moldova, a partner who stands by you in both good times and challenging times. And we will stay exactly the same partners to strengthen Moldova's security and resilience, as these are the key aspects of our support,’’ said the President of the European Council.

He emphasized the importance of this year's autumn elections, noting that the choice must belong to the citizens of Moldova and ‘’not to those who try to manipulate, to undermine democratic rules.’’

A the same time, President Maia Sandu said that, through this summit, the European Union was sending a clear message that Moldova matters, and the support and openness towards the country are firmer than ever.





 

‘’For the first time, we are regarded as a natural part of the European family. The first Moldova-European Union summit shows that our country's accession to the EU is already happening. It is no longer a distant dream or a vague promise. It is a process anchored in reality and built step by step, with the full support of the European Union, all 27 member states, because Moldova matters. And because the entire European Union is working hand in hand with us, to make our country a full member of this family. Today, we talked about how and when we will join. We are no longer talking about if. This has been made possible not because we were lucky, but because of unprecedented political will in Chisinau and Brussels, as well as the daily work of hundreds of people,’’ said the head of state.

Maia Sandu added that Moldova’s rapprochement with the European Union has already brought us concrete benefits.

‘’First and foremost, Moldova has remained free and peaceful. We felt European solidarity when we needed it most. We have kept our course and anchored our future in the values of peace and prosperity, a European future. This closeness also brings real economic results. Closer ties with Europe mean direct investments into Moldova's development,’’ said the head of state.

At the same time, the president said that, in the next three years, the European Union would invest 1.9 billion euros in Moldova - from north to south, in cities and villages. Thus, from the first installment of European funds, about 200 kilometers of regional and district roads will be repaired, in over 100 localities, local roads that have been waiting for decades to be repaired will be asphalted, schools across the country will receive support to renovate their canteens, and entrepreneurs will benefit from support through grants.

‘’All these efforts have a clear purpose: to bring Moldova's standard of living to European standards - in each locality, for every citizen. If Poland, Lithuania, and Romania have succeeded, so will we. We want a European Moldova and we will build it. If we stay united and don't turn back, we will succeed,’’ communicated the head of state.

She, however, mentioned that not everyone desires these natural things for Moldova. According to the head of state, ‘’the Kremlin and its strategically scattered voices, including in Chisinau, are trying to convince us that Moldova must not be helped.’’

'They do not respect the choice of our people; they do not see us as equals. They do not know what aid and solidarity mean - they only know blackmail and control. While Europe provides us with the greatest development support in our history, these voices want to cut off our access to funds, partnerships, and hope,’’ said the head of state.

Maia Sandu emphasized that Moldova had a rare chance: to become part of the European Union, to be a state on its own, with strong institutions, solid partnerships and a real contribution to a peaceful and prosperous continent.

‘’Prosperity and peace do not come as a gift, but are built. Through work. Through collective effort. Through unity. When citizens, united, choose the right direction and decisively move down this path. The European Union is already happening to us. And the only risk is if we stop. If this autumn we decide that no one can stop us, then everything becomes possible. Moldova has everything to succeed. And it will succeed,’’ noted the Moldovan president.

Maia Sandu thanked the EU for its support and emphasized that, through the presence of EU leaders in Chisinau, it is stated without words that Moldova is at home in Europe.

The Moldovan president voiced hope that this summit would become a tradition - and each edition brings us closer to our common goal: a Moldova that is a member of the European Union.

‘’On behalf of all the citizens of Moldova, I thank you for being by our side. We move forward together - with dignity, courage, and hope. Moldova is ready to contribute, with all its heart and all its craftsmanship, to this great European construction of peace, prosperity, and solidarity,’’ concluded Maia Sandu.

The first bilateral Moldova - European Union Summit was held today in Chisinau. The summit was attended by President Maia Sandu, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean on behalf of Moldova. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were present on behalf of the European Union.