VIDEO // MOLDPRES INTERVIEW // Moldovan parliament speaker: “We must persuade each member state that Moldova deserves to be in the European Union”

Parliamentary diplomacy will play an essential role in the European path of Moldova. In an exclusive interview with the State Information Agency MOLDPRES, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu explains how cooperation with the European Parliament and with the parliaments of the EU member states can contribute to advancing the accession process.

At the same time, the speaker refers to the strategic partnership with Romania and the important role of the Diaspora in promoting Moldova and strengthening European support for our country.

Igor Grosu takes stock of the parliament’s activity during the ordinary spring–summer session and analyses the main challenges of the next stage of European integration.

The discussion focuses on the reforms needed for accession to the European Union, legislative support for the new government led by Vasile Tofan, the administrative and territorial reform, strengthening the security of Moldova in the context of the war in Ukraine, developments regarding the natural gas tariff and the situation in the Transnistrian region.

“Moldova needs the European Union and the European Union needs a predictable, stable country with functional institutions, where things work and people have jobs and can move forward,” Igor Grosu stated.

The interview was conducted on 29 July 2026.

MOLDPRES: Mr. Speaker, we meet again after a year marked by important events on the European path of Moldova. The parliament has had an essential role in implementing the commitments undertaken in the process of European integration. How do you assess this period? What do you consider to be the most important achievements of Parliament over the past year and at what stage is Moldova today on the road to accession to the European Union?

Igor Grosu: Welcome back to Parliament, I am glad we can resume our discussion. It has been, and still is, a very important year, full of events, especially on the dimension of European integration. I would mention a very important achievement – the opening of negotiations on two very important clusters: “Fundamental Values” and “External Relations”.

We have six clusters for our future, in which more than 30 chapters are grouped. In the case of the two clusters, we managed to obtain the political decision to accelerate negotiations and we officially opened these negotiations. This was important, because at a technical level, we were continuing to fulfil our commitments, but there was no official decision.

It was our political decision not to waste time, not to put things on pause and wait for the EU member states to decide to open negotiations. I believe it was the right decision. We also assumed certain risks, but it was a necessary approach, in order to reach the end result we set for ourselves. We managed to open two clusters and we still have four others that it is important to open, based on this plan and on negotiations with the member states. I am optimistic in this regard.

The parliament has its role in this process, because there are laws that we must amend in line with our directives and commitments. They come to Parliament, they are discussed and debated, and we must adopt them in an as organized and predictable way as possible. We do not always manage to do this at the pace we would like, which is why, even though we are at the end of the session, we decided to return in an extraordinary session.

We will return for a week at the end of August, as there is a string of laws that we must adopt in parliament, so that they can enter into force within the set deadlines.

As for the interim report we had last year with the European Commission, it was well appreciated. Our ambition is for this year’s report to be at least at the same level as last year’s, but our effort is for it to be even better. This report is important for our progress in the negotiation process, for the opening of the other clusters and for our final objective – accession to the European Union.

We still have a lot of work to do, but I am glad that our colleagues are mobilized and we will do our best to meet the deadlines we have set.

MOLDPRES: What are the most important benefits of European integration and how should people feel them?

Igor Grosu: I believe that, in general, people already feel, at the grassroots level, a series of tangible benefits. One example is the payments and transfers system, which allows citizens to make transfers to EU member states or from those states to Moldova at much lower commissions and costs than before. It is an example that we can all feel. Every family has relatives in the member states; we have children studying there, parents working there and so on.

Another example that is felt at the grassroots level is roaming. We live in an era in which we cannot do without daily communication, and when we have parents, children or relatives in EU member states, the possibility to communicate through roaming at lower costs is very important.

For all these things to be possible, a lot of work and legislative harmonization was needed. I will not go into detail now about every law and every legislative amendment, but all of this was necessary for these benefits to become reality.

Another essential area is justice. We must continue the reform, even though we have already carried out the evaluation of some judges from the Courts of Appeal and from the Supreme Court of Justice. Our commitment was and remains to continue this process both for prosecutors and judges.

At the same time, there are many laws that we approve and agreements that we sign or ratify. Just yesterday, in parliament, we ratified such an agreement. These things trigger controversy every time, especially from the pro-Kremlin opposition, which is very harsh and disturbed by this process. But it does not seem disturbed by the propaganda coming from the Kremlin.

European integration also means reforms in education, the environment and culture, as well as ensuring that our products comply with European standards, so that they can be exported. It is difficult, but the effort is worth it. One example is the export of poultry meat. To be able to do this, we must demonstrate that our laboratories are accredited, that they can be trusted and that the certificates they issue are recognized.

All these things that the citizen feels in everyday life require enormous work on behalf of civil servants, parliament, ministers, state secretaries and our diplomats. It is not enough to say that we have adopted a list of laws. Much more is needed.

Parliamentary diplomacy has its very important place, including through communication with politicians from the parliaments of EU member states. Some countries are more open towards Moldova and, in general, towards EU enlargement, while others are more reserved. That is why, we need to step up our efforts and invite them more often to Moldova.

We have changed our tactics as well: we insist that European officials come to us, because it is a good opportunity for them to feel the atmosphere, to talk to people and civil servants and to visit the country. Not just Chisinau, because Chisinau is not the whole Moldova.

MOLDPRES: There are a few European states that are reluctant to the advancement of Moldova and Ukraine on the path of European integration. How do you intend to convince these countries to support us, given that we have big plans – we want to sign the Accession Treaty in 2028?

Igor Grosu: For this we need work – work at the level of diplomats, at parliamentary level and through all friendship networks. The instruction is to use any contact, any opportunity. If any of our politicians has a good relationship with the president of that country, with the prime minister or with MPs, we turn to these relationships, raise awareness, invite them and present our arguments.

Because this enlargement is not only about economic stability. Under the current geopolitical conditions, enlargement is primarily a matter of security – security for the whole of Europe. Here we are talking, of course, about the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine and about the concerns of most European countries, including those in the West, from a security perspective.

Our argument is very simple: Moldova needs the European Union, and the European Union needs a predictable, stable country with functional institutions, where things work and people have jobs and can move forward. We are demonstrating this through all our policies.

Since 2022, in the context of this war, we have gone through every challenge and crisis – the refugee crisis, the security crisis, the energy crisis and others. We have managed to show that we are a reliable partner; we are predictable, stable, we honour our commitments and we are truly European.

We also need cultural diplomacy. We have a heritage that we can bring into the great European family and that we must promote.

MOLDPRES: Are you confident that we will have total support?

Igor Grosu: I can give a few examples. There was a period before the opening of the first cluster when Hungary’s position was not directly against Moldova, but there was a problematic position in relation to Ukraine. This affected us as well. Efforts, discussions and rapprochement with our colleagues were needed, and we succeeded. We saw that progress was made in the dialogue between Ukraine and Hungary as well.

But we must continue. France, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria – they are important, because each country has its own agenda and internal interests. Each country has its own electoral cycle and we cannot ignore this.

We must build relationships not only with the parties or political forces in government. We must insist on informing and communicating with opposition parties as well, because electoral cycles may bring other formations to power. This is what we are doing and will continue to do.

Of course, Romania is a special case. It is a special relationship and it is natural for it to be so. Romania’s support matters a lot and continues to help us in our process of accession to the European Union.

MOLDPRES: The parliament has given a vote of confidence to a new government headed by Vasile Tofan. We have a prime minister coming from the business environment, with a track record of investment initiatives, job creation and development of the economy of Moldova. How does the parliament intend to support these initiatives of the government?

Igor Grosu: The government must be the institution that initiates the largest number of draft laws. I have no reservations about MPs coming forward with legislative initiatives, but the most important and the majority of them must come from the ministries. They have staff and expertise and know the area of competence better than a sectoral committee in parliament, where human resources and expertise are more limited.

Of course, the government has our full support, especially that of the parliamentary majority. Mr. Tofan brings a new spirit, a new dynamic and energy to the cabinet. We insisted on having a prime minister with a suitable profile, because the focus is on economic growth.

He has experience in entrepreneurship, in international companies and investment funds. He has invested a lot abroad, including in Romania and in the United States of America. Naturally, he is well-suited for this mission of attracting investors and stimulating the business environment.

He also has the possibility to directly contact the managers or owners of companies he knows, explain the opportunities that Moldova can offer and thus contribute to economic growth.

You have also heard that he has a very correct approach towards state assets. I am referring to those state-owned enterprises that the state fails to manage efficiently. For those that are not strategic and that the state does not necessarily have to keep, it is advisable to decide on their privatization, so that the business sector can invest in and develop them.

In terms of legislation, any initiative that would simplify the process of opening a business, making investments and developing the business environment will have parliament’s support. We are open and will support these legislative initiatives.

MOLDPRES: Mr. Grosu, how do you think the “public sector salary paradox” can be managed? On the one hand, there is public pressure against the high salaries in some public institutions, and on the other hand, we face a serious staff shortage because salaries are not competitive compared to the private sector. What, in your opinion, is the right compromise to ensure an efficient administration that is also fair in the eyes of citizens?

Igor Grosu: Look, there are two things that will happen in the very near future.

One will be an intervention by the government. The State Chancellery will come with a draft regarding interventions in the case of excessive salaries. I know you have talked before about measures in this regard. The minister will probably come on the 31st with a draft on excessive salaries in the public sector.

Second, there is the law on salaries, which is now under consideration and being discussed. We are trying to correct the imbalances that have appeared or been created since 2018, when the last major intervention in the salary law was carried out.

Over time, these imbalances have accumulated and, rightly so, they began to be noticed both in parliament and in other public institutions.

At the same time, there is obviously a lot of manipulation. There is justified criticism, but also a lot of manipulation.

We must clearly understand that there are very different positions and areas in our state. For example, IT systems, cyber security or certain competencies in the health sector require very good training. And here the public sector is constantly competing with the private sector.

If an IT specialist is not paid well or almost comparably with salaries in the private sector, we lose them. They can very easily choose to go to an IT company or elsewhere in the private sector, where they can earn a much better salary.

But imagine the inconvenience citizens would face if, for example, a system for checking documents for elections did not work or collapsed. Or a payments system. Or the electronic signature, which is becoming increasingly popular. We no longer stay in queues at the Tax Office or other institutions; we sign electronically from home and make payments from home.

Imagine such a system being the target of a cyber-attack or, for a period of time, criminal groups or wrongdoers attacking our infrastructure. Or states that deliberately attack our critical systems. Imagine, for example, someone trying to attack our systems, our electoral databases during elections.

The people who keep all these systems running are very good professionals. It is not at all easy to identify them, convince them to come into the public sector and, above all, motivate them to stay.

For them we must offer competitive salaries compared to the private sector. Otherwise, God forbid, in the event of such an incident, the costs, even for an hour or a day, would be enormous. We are talking about payment systems, energy systems, border infrastructure and many other essential services.

But there are also situations where certain positions cannot be paid in this way. There we must intervene decisively and correct situations where, for example, an accountant in one institution is paid much better than an accountant in another institution, although the workload and responsibilities are comparable.

The salary law proposes exactly this: the workload and responsibility of a specialist who holds similar positions in several institutions must be clear criteria. We cannot allow large disparities and differences in pay between comparable positions.

MOLDPRES: And now let’s talk about natural gas tariffs. On the one hand we have protests organized by the parliamentary opposition, and on the other hand there is ANRE’s intention to increase the tariff. Many citizens are wondering whether they will be able to cope with these price rises. Will the state help citizens?

Igor Grosu: Before saying how the state will help, I would explain how the price is formed. It is based on two components.

The first is the purchase price, which depends on stock exchange quotations and international events. And here we must say that the war, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and in the Black Sea have a huge impact. Moldova does not have its own resources. Everything we consume – gas, diesel, petrol, liquefied gas – we import. Therefore, we depend on international quotations and, of course, we do everything possible to diversify sources so as not to depend on a single supplier.

Unfortunately, as far as natural gas is concerned, we remain dependent on the Russian Federation until 2028. Even though we have a contract, we have seen that when we need energy resources the most, during the winter, supplies can be cut without explanation. This is a form of dependency and, at the same time, a policy directed against those who are not obedient.

The second component concerns transport, distribution, management and administrative costs. If we cannot directly intervene in the purchase price, we can intervene in this component.

I believe that Parliament has taken a step by adopting a proposal to amend the Natural Gas Law, by which we will try to optimize some of the costs borne by MoldovaGaz.

We are talking, for example, about excessive salaries. We have situations with salaries of 360,000 lei and advisers who receive 90,000 lei. I consider them excessive. We also have 12 enterprises across the country, 12 directors, 12 contracts, 12 deputy directors and so on.

I believe that a single enterprise could manage these responsibilities under the current conditions. We have technical and IT solutions that allow monitoring, transfers and management of all these things from a single entity.

By analogy, we have the case of Moldsilva. We have 19 enterprises. We could have a single one managing this entire segment.

So, there are other elements through which we can intervene to reduce administrative costs. Someone might say it is about one or two percent and that it does not matter. It is our money. If we can optimize and reduce spending, let’s do it. Why say it is too little? We must save and use resources as efficiently as possible.

At the same time, obviously, the state will intervene. As we have done before, in the cold season we will come with solutions and proposals to compensate part of these costs. Clearly, we cannot leave people alone in the face of these price rises.

We are talking about November–December of this year and January, February and March of next year. The government and the competent ministry will come with proposals; we will discuss them and see what we can improve in the compensation process – the volume of compensation, the level of eligible consumption and other aspects.

This year we will probably return to the method of compensation directly on the invoice. I believe that the first experience, when we compensated directly on the invoice, was better than the one we applied this year.

So, yes, my answer is clear: the state will intervene and will help citizens.

But I also have a request: we should save energy. If we are not in a room, there is no need to keep the light on. These are our resources, and this applies both to institutions and to the consumption in our homes and apartments.

The latest decision of the Commission for Exceptional Situations provides for a 20-per cent reduction in public spending on fuel in particular, because we are going through a more difficult period and we must overcome it together as responsibly as possible.

MOLDPRES: We are now in the middle of the voluntary amalgamation of municipalities, as part of the administrative–territorial reform. There are hundreds of municipalities that have agreed to amalgamate, but there are also ones that oppose it. Why is it important for this reform to be completed by 2026?

Igor Grosu: It is important to complete the reform not only in 2026, but by October–November. The previous local elections took place in October–November 2022, and the next will be held in 2027. Therefore, the law must be adopted this autumn, so there is predictability at least one year before the election – both for citizens and communities, and for candidates and political formations that will participate in the elections.

This is the principle of predictability. For the same reason, we did not change the electoral system in the case of Gagauzia. We preserved the current system because it is not correct to change the rules during the game. The election date had already been set and you cannot subsequently introduce another electoral system.

Returning to the administrative–territorial reform, hundreds of municipalities have initiated the voluntary amalgamation process and a good part of them have completed it. They will benefit from financial incentives that they will be able to use for investments in the new administrative structures resulting from the amalgamation.

Starting in September, the municipalities that have amalgamated voluntarily will begin working together with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the State Chancellery on the drafting of financing projects, so that from 2027 they can be implemented.

MOLDPRES: What will happen to municipalities that have not amalgamated voluntarily?

Igor Grosu: They will go through the procedure provided by law – normative amalgamation. The minimum criterion is 3,000 inhabitants for each administrative–territorial unit. Where this criterion is not met, the localities will most likely be integrated around existing mayoralties, so that there is a uniform and viable administrative organization.

MOLDPRES: Is Gagauzia also being discussed?

Igor Grosu: Yes, but in the case of Gagauzia the schedule will be slightly different. There, the authority that validates the new clusters or new mayoralties is the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. At present, however, it is non-functional, its mandate having expired, and the elections have been set for 15 November.

For this reason, the process will be delayed. Nevertheless, there are already discussions between mayoralties regarding amalgamation, and after the new People’s Assembly is constituted, the necessary decisions for completing the reform in the autonomy can be adopted.

MOLDPRES: Mr. Speaker, Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu said that the administrative amalgamation process would have a different timetable in the Transnistrian region, considering that the constitutional authorities do not control that territory. However, there are localities under Chisinau’s jurisdiction. Do you consider that, in their case, the voluntary amalgamation process should also be encouraged?

Igor Grosu: Yes, there are localities in the Security Zone and we must take them into account. However, if there are initiatives from the communities and the process is well prepared, we will be able to move forward. There are localities on the right bank of the Dniester, under the control of the constitutional authorities of Moldova, where the reform can be fully implemented. There we can move forward and provide all necessary tools for the development of local public administration.

At the same time, we must understand that, in the long term, both the right and the left bank of the Dniester face the same challenge – the demographic situation. In the Transnistrian region this is particularly serious. The population is constantly decreasing and around 40,000 inhabitants from the left bank of the Dniester cross daily to the right bank to go to work. They work in private companies, public institutions and other organizations of Moldova.

At the same time, many residents of the Transnistrian region use the services provided by the state of the Republic of Moldova. They turn to our healthcare system, request documents issued by the Public Services Agency and benefit from various social services. Every year, there are about 280,000 applications submitted to state institutions. These figures show that there is already very strong interaction between the two banks of Dniester.

Therefore, we must continue to build this point of convergence. Reintegration does not mean only the political or geopolitical dimension. Obviously, our goal is for the Transnistrian region to return to the constitutional space of the Republic of Moldova and to get out from under the influence of the Russian Federation. But there is also a very important economic dimension that cannot be ignored.

This convergence must be achieved gradually, by applying the same economic and fiscal rules throughout the territory of Moldova. The process must be gradual so that fiscal legislation becomes uniform both on the right and on the left bank of the Dniester. We have already started with certain categories of products, such as tobacco, alcohol and other excisable goods, and this process must continue step by step, so that differences between the two banks are gradually reduced and the conditions are created for sustainable economic and administrative reintegration.

MOLDPRES: For almost four and a half years, the citizens of Moldova have been living with the fear of war. If at the beginning this fear was more pronounced, today people seem to have become used to it, but concerns persist. We see drones increasingly often falling on the territory of Moldova and similar incidents also occur in Romania. What measures are the authorities in Chișinău taking to protect citizens?

Igor Grosu: We continue to do what we announced from the beginning: invest in the defence capabilities of Moldova. For many years, since independence, the army was not a priority. Unfortunately, our adversaries have succeeded in instilling the idea that if you are a neutral state, you do not need to invest in defence – that neutrality, in itself, protects you or that someone else will come to defend you. This is not the case.

Even neutral states invest in their security. Neutrality does not mean vulnerability or giving up the capacity to defend your citizens. That is precisely why Moldova must also continue to invest in its own security.

We are currently strengthening our capacities to monitor and protect the airspace. These are costly investments that we could not make on our own. Therefore, we benefit from the support of the European Union, to which we are grateful for its help in purchasing and installing the equipment needed to monitor the airspace.

Our goal is not only to have the capacity to detect flying objects, but also the means to intervene when necessary, so as to protect critical infrastructure, the territory and, first and foremost, the citizens of Moldova.

The war is not far away; it is very close to us. We are not talking about an abstract danger. We see repeated incidents near our borders and violations of our airspace. That is why, cooperation with Ukraine and Romania, countries that have much more advanced technical capacities to monitor the airspace, is essential.

When a suspicious flying object is identified, the rapid exchange of information allows us to take the necessary decisions to protect the population and critical infrastructure.

We will continue to invest in security. And if you want to be helped by partners and have reliable friends, you must show that you are also doing your part and not relying exclusively on the support of others.

MOLDPRES: In the public space, concerns persist about a possible escalation of the security situation, including in the Transnistrian region. How high is the risk of developments that could affect Moldova and what guarantees can you offer citizens that the situation remains under control?

Igor Grosu: I do not see, and have not seen since the outbreak of Russia’s war against Ukraine, signals indicating a change in behaviour in the Transnistrian region. On the contrary, we have noticed a cautious attitude on behalf of the Tiraspol administration. Most likely, the instinct of self-preservation and self-protection has prevailed.

Those there understood that any involvement, in any form, in actions against Ukraine would have very serious consequences for the region and for those who administer it. This message is constantly communicated not only by Moldova, but also by Ukraine, the European Union, the United States of America and other international partners. In the 1+1 dialogue format, we also send a very clear message that the interest of Moldova is to preserve peace and stability and to avoid any action that could lead to an escalation of the situation.

There is no better alternative for the inhabitants of the left bank of the Dniester than peace. It is much more important to build functional institutions, invest in villages and towns, develop enterprises and create jobs than to repair the destruction caused by a war and go through the tragedies that Ukraine is going through today.

I believe this is understood in Tiraspol. Of course, there are still serious problems related to respect for human rights, and there are cases where people are arbitrarily detained or persecuted. These problems have not disappeared and must be solved.

At the same time, the risks of a possible escalation are understood. Obviously, the Russian Federation would have liked a much more belligerent attitude on behalf of the Transnistrian region. Fortunately, this has not happened. Neither the administration there nor the military in the region have shown any desire to become cannon fodder in the military adventures and war unleashed by Vladimir Putin against Ukraine.

MOLDPRES: The parliament also has an important role in promoting international cooperation. Once European integration was declared a strategic objective of Moldova, the activity of the Legislature has increasingly focused on strengthening relations with the parliaments of EU member states and with the European Parliament. What concrete results have you achieved in this area and how do they contribute to bringing Moldova closer to the European Union? Also, in May you announced that a delegation of chairs of parliamentary committees would pay a working visit to the European Parliament to take over good practices. What benefits did this visit bring?

Igor Grosu: Yes, that visit took place. The chairs of the parliamentary committees went to the European Parliament and had a series of meetings and exchanges of experience. We currently have a partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Parliament, which means that our relationship is institutionalized and is developing constantly.

We cooperate both at the level of the leadership of Parliament and at the level of standing committees and political groups. We periodically have meetings with MEPs and with representatives of the main European political families.

We also benefit from the support of a very active group of friends of Moldova in the European Parliament. I am referring to MEPs such as Siegfried Muresan, Victor Negrescu, Dan Barna, Eugen Tomac and other colleagues who constantly support our country’s European path. They ensure that Moldova remains on the European Parliament’s agenda and that it benefits from the attention and support of the EU institutions whenever necessary.

This permanent dialogue helps us not only in the process of European integration, but also in promoting the interests of Moldova, in strengthening political support for reforms and in developing cooperation in areas such as security, the economy, education and bringing citizens closer to the European Union.

When the first crisis related to the pollution of the Dniester River broke out, I was at the European Parliament. Together with our colleagues, we discussed this situation and, at the insistence of the friends of Moldova in the European Parliament, the issue was included in a declaration later adopted by this institution. It was a concrete example of how parliamentary relations can produce results in favour of Moldova.

Beyond cooperation with the European Parliament, we have a very clear plan of cooperation with the parliaments of the 27 EU member states. In some states it is sufficient to maintain the existing interest and support for Moldova, while in others we must step up the dialogue and better explain the reform processes and realities in our country.

Committees, friendship groups and official delegations are involved in this effort. We put emphasis on inviting European parliamentarians to the Republic of Moldova. We do not limit ourselves to official meetings in Parliament but offer them the opportunity to visit localities in the country, to talk to people, local authorities and representatives of civil society. In many cases, we also present the historical ties that Moldova has with their states, whether we speak about German, Czech, Polish or other communities that have lived here over time. We have a common history and heritage that we must capitalize on.

We actively participate in all European parliamentary platforms. I attend the meetings of the speakers of parliaments and other meetings to which candidate states are invited. These meetings provide the opportunity for bilateral, including informal, discussions during which we present developments in Moldova, answer our partners’ questions and promote our country’s interests.

The role of parliamentary diplomacy is essential. Ultimately, the parliaments and citizens of the member states will have an important say in the process of Moldova’s accession to the European Union. That is why it is important to build relationships of trust and constantly explain why Moldova deserves to become part of the European family.

Our Diaspora also plays a special role. Moldovan citizens settled in the member states are the best ambassadors of Moldova at local level. Whenever we have official meetings, we also talk to the diaspora and encourage our compatriots to get involved not only in economic and cultural life, but also in civic and political life. I am glad to see more and more examples of Moldovans elected as local councillors in Ireland, Italy, Germany or the United Kingdom. They contribute to strengthening the image of Moldova and facilitate dialogue with local authorities.

At the same time, we encourage the twinning of localities, the development of relations between local public administrations, cultural and economic exchanges and the promotion of successful people from our diaspora – entrepreneurs, artists, researchers and professionals who have distinguished themselves abroad. All these ties help strengthen the image of the Moldova and bring us closer to the European Union. It is equally important to capitalize on the experience of Moldovan entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in European states. They know the Western economic environment, have created jobs and can become important partners in attracting investments and developing the economy of the Republic of Moldova.

MOLDPRES: The parliament is ending its spring–summer session. Have you managed to achieve everything you set out to do? And after this intense period of activity, will you manage to take a few days of vacation?

Igor Grosu: We have not managed to achieve absolutely everything we set out to do. This happens every time, because our objectives are ambitious and there are always projects that still need to be finalized.

That is precisely why the parliament will return in an extraordinary session from 24 to 26 August. We will examine and vote in second reading more important draft laws, so that they can enter into force in September.

We face a very busy autumn, with numerous drafts to harmonize national legislation with the EU acquis. The parliament and the government will need to be very well organized, work in a coordinated manner and honour all the commitments undertaken in the process of European integration.

As for the vacation, I will remain mostly in Moldova. I will go to the countryside, visit my mother and mother-in-law and spend time with my family. We will probably manage to go abroad for a few days, but then we will return to work.

MOLDPRES: Finally, what is your message to the citizens of Moldova?

Igor Grosu: My message to citizens is to believe in Moldova and in our strength. In recent years, our country has built a very good image in the EU member states. We have shown that we are a reliable partner, that we know how to show solidarity in difficult times and that we honour our commitments.

This matters a lot. European partners see that Moldova is serious, that it keeps its word and that the reforms we are promoting are real and future-oriented. They notice these changes and are able to appreciate the efforts we are making.

Beyond that, everything depends on us. We have friends, we have supporters and we must continue to work responsibly and persistently. I am convinced that we will succeed and Moldova will become, in the shortest possible time, a member state of the European Union.