European Parliament's Office in Chisinau to be opened in next September

The European Parliament will open an office in Chișinău and the cooperation with Moldova's parliament will be boosted, with a Memorandum of Understanding due to be signed in this regard. Vice President of the European Parliament Nicolae Stefanuta today made statements to this effect in Chisinau. He is on a visit to Moldova in his capacity of chief representative for supporting democracy in Moldova.

Stefanuta said that the European Parliament Office in Chisinau would be opened most likely in next September, and currently, the selection process for the person who will represent the European Parliament in Moldova is ongoing.

"We have a few important messages from the European Parliament. Firstly, we will foster our collaboration with the parliament of Moldova, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding that includes several joint activities aimed at strengthening this institution. We will also have an office in Chisinau, which we will open probably in September. We are now in the process of selecting the person who will represent the European Parliament here in Chisinau every day," said Nicolae Stefanuta at a news conference held in Chisinau.

The official noted that Moldova had a unique opportunity regarding European Union accession, and for this to happen, all institutions must work in tandem.

"We have a window of opportunity that neither we nor you should miss. This window of opportunity with Moldova is within this mandate, meaning within the next five years. If we want Moldova to join in the next five years, by 2030, we need to move forward together," said Nicolae Stefanuta.

The vice president of the European Parliament emphasized, in this context, the importance of the parliamentary elections due in next autumn and expressed concern about the hybrid threats faced by Moldova.

"I know there are challenges related to misinformation and hybrid attacks. It's crucial to help Moldova, so that its citizens can make informed decisions and not be lied to or misinformed. (...) I am concerned about the misinformation that could arise during this period, fake news and other hybrid warfare methods. (...) That's why, I will fight hard to assist in addressing the challenges you face in holding free, fair and good elections for the people. I wish for Moldova's European path to continue following these elections," said Nicolae Stefanuta.

The official added that it is important for Moldova to maintain its European path and for citizens to feel its benefits.

"It is important for Moldova to keep its European path, but for people, it's not enough just to keep it; they need to feel it. They need to feel that this European path means prosperity, funds, repaired roads, better infrastructure and more opportunities for citizens," Stefanuta stressed.

Nicolae Stefanuta also said that the resources allocated during the pre-accession period would help Moldova develop and strengthen the confidence of foreign investors.

"The economic growth of a country begins in the pre-accession period, because pre-accession tools, the funds provided, will increase as more negotiation chapters are opened. This will be reflected in roads and infrastructure operations, in modernization actions. Moreover, when you have a guarantee of accession, investors start to come because it signals that the European Union will be here. And then investors feel more confident. As accession becomes more specific, with established dates, processes and deadlines, growth will be visible," the official said.

The vice president of the European Parliament also said that the European Union stood with Moldova in implementing reforms.

"The message is firm: the EU stands with you. We love Moldova. I feel that Moldova is a European state that deserves to be part of the prosperity and freedom zone that is the European Union. This is a security space, but it is also a common space that guarantees each state's independence and a safe life. I dream of seeing Moldova in the EU. I want to participate in this," concluded Nicolae Stefanuta.

Vice President of the European Parliament Nicolae Stefanuta is making an official visit to Chisinau in his capacity of chief representative for supporting democracy in  Moldova. The announcement was made by the European Union Delegation to Chișinău. The agenda includes meetings with President Maia Sandu and  Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.