President Maia Sandu’s speech at joint press conference with Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Prime Minister Mitsotakis,

Dear Kyriakos,

Thank you for today’s useful discussions and for the warm welcome here in Athens. I am pleased that our close dialogue continues with real momentum, following your visit to Chişinău just half a year ago. 

That visit set an important marker, and today’s meeting confirms that the partnership between our countries is not only strong, but steadily deepening. This exchange is another concrete step forward in our cooperation.

Our relationship is rooted in history. As I have noted on earlier occasions, some defining moments of modern Greek history unfolded on the territory of today’s Moldova, including the legacy of Alexandros Ypsilantis, who launched the struggle for Greek independence from our region. This shared chapter of European history reflects the deep cultural and spiritual ties that have long connected our peoples and continue to underpin our partnership today.

Prime Minister,

Allow me to congratulate Greece on its impressive transformation over the past decade. Your success is a national achievement and an inspiration for Moldova and for the whole of Europe. 

Greece has shown that with determination, reforms, and unity, a country can overcome hardship and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more confident in its future.

It is therefore especially meaningful that Greece now holds the presidency of the Eurogroup, reflecting the trust it enjoys and the leadership role it plays at the heart of European economic architecture. We admire this path, and it gives courage to all nations working to modernise their economies.

Building on this shared understanding, today we reviewed our bilateral cooperation, which continues to grow. We value the strong ties between our people, the increasing exchanges between our businesses, and our expanding cooperation in energy, tourism, and other key sectors. At the same time, we see even greater potential ahead. 

Prime Minister, we believe our excellent political relations can and should translate into deeper economic cooperation. Since our discussions last summer, our relevant ministers have already begun working closely to identify concrete ways to boost collaboration — particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, agri-business, digital services, and tourism development. 

These opportunities are further strengthened by the EU Growth Plan for Moldova, worth €1.9 billion — the largest investment package in our country’s history. 

This plan is designed to crowd in private investment, by combining European Union co-funding with projects in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, transport, agri-business, digital services, and healthcare.

For Greek businesses this means access to co-financed projects backed by the European Union, reduced financial risk, and opportunities to invest alongside European institutions. It also means operating in a market with growing demand, infrastructure that is constantly modernising, and connectivity that is expanding across the wider region. We encourage Greek companies to engage early and take advantage of these opportunities, as Moldova positions itself as a reliable destination for long-term investment within the European economic space.

Energy security was another central topic of our discussions, reflecting its importance for both our countries and for the wider region. Greece has emerged as a key pillar of regional energy security, thanks to its rapid expansion of renewables and its strategic investments in infrastructure that enable diversified and reliable energy supplies across Southeast Europe.

Moldova is becoming a transit route for regional energy flows, including liquefied natural gas from the United States arriving in Greece and continuing to Ukraine. We have supported this effort by halving our transit tariffs, making this route even more attractive and commercially viable. This is a practical contribution to supporting Ukraine and strengthening regional energy security at a time when resilience truly matters.

Connectivity is equally essential. We therefore welcome the new strategic agreement between Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania on the Black Sea–Aegean Sea Corridor — a major transport axis that will strengthen links across your region. We would be delighted to see this corridor extended further towards Moldova and Ukraine, connecting our wider region and enhancing trade, mobility, and resilience for all.

We also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and security in Europe. Russia’s war already affects our normal ways of life far beyond the front line and neighbouring states. 

Drones violate European airspace across the continent. Critical infrastructure is targeted through sabotage. Cyberattacks disrupt public services. Disinformation seeks to divide our societies from within. This is why supporting Ukraine and strengthening our collective resilience remain essential for the security of the entire European continent.

Against this backdrop, I also discussed with Prime Minister Mitsotakis Moldova’s European path and the crucial phase that lies ahead. EU accession is our most important national project since independence. 

It is a strategic necessity and a survival strategy at a time when an aggressor continues to threaten our sovereignty and security. It is about anchoring Moldova firmly in a system of shared rules, values, and solidarity.

And Europe itself stands to gain. A Moldova firmly anchored in the European family — committed to democracy, reform, and cooperation — strengthens the Union as a whole. Enlargement has always made Europe stronger: politically, economically, and in terms of security. Moldova wants to contribute actively to that shared strength.

We also discussed the broader European enlargement agenda. The Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova share the same aspiration: to join a Europe united in peace and solidarity. While each country follows its own path, we learn from one another and support each other’s progress. 

Enlargement is not only a strategic priority — it is Europe’s peace project. By enlarging, the European Union enlarges the space of peace, stability, and opportunity.

Prime Minister,

Moldova is determined to take the next steps forward on its EU accession journey. There is now an urgent window of opportunity before us — one that must be seized with clarity, courage, and commitment. 

Our citizens have clearly chosen a European future, and we are fully committed to delivering it through reforms, responsibility, and results. We are deeply grateful for Greece’s consistent support, solidarity, and friendship along this path.

Thank you once again for the warm hospitality and for today’s excellent discussions. Moldova stands ready to deepen our cooperation and to contribute to a stronger, safer, and more united Europe.

Thank you.