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EU
09 November, 2026 / 22:04
/ 1 hour ago

France reaffirms support for Moldova’s accession to EU

France will continue to support Moldova in its process of accession to the European Union, both through European institutions and through bilateral cooperation. French Secretary-General for European Affairs (SGAE) Emmanuel Puisais-Jauvin has made statements to this effect, during the annual Conference on EU Enlargement. The official highlighted the progress made by the Moldovan authorities, the importance of reforms and the financial support provided by the European Union, including through the Moldova Facility, worth 1.9 billion euros.

The French official praised the commitment of the Moldovan authorities to European integration, noting that the progress achieved since the December 2023 decision to open accession negotiations was remarkable. He also referred to the constitutional referendum held in 2024, through which the goal of joining the European Union was enshrined in Moldova’s Constitution.

“The highest French authorities fully support Moldova on its European path. The progress achieved by your country since the December 2023 decision to open accession negotiations is remarkable. The referendum of December 2024, which enshrined the objective of joining the European Union in Moldova’s Constitution, proves an extremely clear European ambition. Far-reaching reforms have been implemented at a very sustained pace, reflecting the remarkable commitment of the Moldovan authorities,” the official said.



The official stressed that the accession process involved considerable efforts, but Moldova benefits from the support of its European partners and does not have to travel this road alone.

“The road to accession nevertheless remains a demanding process. In this regard, I would like to tell you that Moldova is not alone and that we will continue to fully accompany you in this process. The European Union is providing you with concrete assistance to accelerate the country’s preparations for accession. For example, the Moldova Facility, worth 1.9 billion euros, enables the strengthening of economic integration, the modernization of infrastructure and support for institutional reforms,” the French representative said.

In his speech, the official also highlighted bilateral cooperation between Moldova and France. One example is the cooperation agreement signed in the spring of 2024 between the Bureau for European Integration of Moldova and France’s General Secretariat for European Affairs.

According to Emmanuel Puisais-Jauvin, the partnership facilitates exchanges of experience, the training of Moldovan officials in French institutions and the provision of the technical assistance needed during the accession negotiations.

“I am quite pleased with the partnership we built together by signing, in the spring of 2024, a cooperation agreement between the Bureau for European Integration of Moldova and the General Secretariat for European Affairs, which I have the honor of leading. Madam Minister, dear Cristina, this partnership illustrates the excellent relations between our countries. Specifically, it enables regular exchanges, the hosting of Moldovan diplomats and senior civil servants in France and support for requests for technical assistance within the accession negotiations,” the official said.

Another aspect addressed in the speech was the geopolitical dimension of the European Union’s enlargement, in the context of the war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and destabilizing actions on the European continent. The Secretary-General for European Affairs said that supporting Moldova was important for the security and stability of Europe as a whole.

“Moldova’s accession process to the European Union is of fundamental political importance. It is taking place in an international context that has changed profoundly since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. This has resulted in numerous destabilizing actions across the European continent, and Moldova knows this very well, as it has experienced them directly. In the face of these challenges, the only response is to reaffirm our solidarity with those who share our values of freedom,” the Secretary-General stressed.

The official added that Moldova’s accession would mean not only integration into a European market of approximately 450 million consumers, but also joining a community built on common values, such as freedom and solidarity.

“The support that the European Union and its member states are providing to you is not only in your interest. It is also in the interest of all Europeans. Together, we are protecting our strategic interests and stability at Europe’s borders. We are also fighting common challenges, such as foreign interference with our democratic processes. Strengthening the European family therefore also means defending the values that unite us all as Europeans,” the French representative stated.



In conclusion, the official conveyed a message of encouragement and optimism, reaffirming France’s determination to continue supporting Moldova’s European path.

“Thus, by joining the European Union, Moldova will not only join a market that today comprises 450 million consumers. It will also participate closely in a community of values that unites us all, while respecting our differences and national identities. This Union, founded on common values, is a precious asset that we must cultivate together at a time when these values may be challenged on the international stage. You have therefore understood that the message I wanted to convey to you today is one of encouragement, solidarity and optimism. The strength of your European commitment, which you continue to demonstrate, only increases our determination to continue building Europe, which is so fundamental to the future of our nations. Long live Moldova, long live the European Union!” the French official concluded.



The annual Conference on European Union enlargement is taking place in Chisinau. The event was inaugurated by President Maia Sandu and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The meeting brings together representatives of national authorities, European institutions, EU member states, civil society and the media. According to the organizers, more than 700 participants registered for the event, while 70 speakers will contribute to the discussions over the course of two days.



High-level political dialogue: Moldova’s European integration discussed by the presidents of the two countries

The relations between Moldova and France have intensified in recent years, marked by reciprocal visits at the highest level and deeper political, economic and security cooperation. In February 2021, President Maia Sandu paid a visit to Paris, where she was received by her French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. It was the first bilateral visit by a Moldovan president to France since 1997. In June 2022, Emmanuel Macron visited Chisinau, and a year later he returned to Moldova to participate in the second Summit of the European Political Community, hosted in Bulboaca. The event, attended by dozens of European leaders, represented an important signal of solidarity with Moldova and support for its European integration aspirations.

Presidential-level dialogue continued through Maia Sandu’s visits to Paris, including in March 2024 and March 2025, when the head of state had meetings with Emmanuel Macron to discuss France’s support for the EU accession process, regional security and the development of economic relations.

During the March 2025 visit, the two countries signed documents on the social protection of Moldovan citizens living in France, the energy efficiency of public buildings and combating disinformation. A symbolic moment in this high-level cooperation was Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Chisinau on August 27, 2025, when the French president participated, alongside the leaders of Germany and Poland, in events dedicated to the Independence Day of Moldova.

President Maia Sandu returned to Paris in July 2026, at an invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, to participate in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing and events marking France’s National Day. The visit reaffirmed Moldova’s participation in European efforts to strengthen security and support Ukraine.


 
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