European Parliament's Office officially starts work in Moldova

The European Parliament’s Office has officially started its work in Moldova. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has made statements to this effect in a speech delivered in Moldova’s parliament. Roberta Metsola presented the Agreement providing for this to the President of the Parliament, Igor Grosu. She said the Agreement was a historic treaty that gets the partnership between  Moldova and the European Union to a higher level.

"The official inauguration of this Office is a clear signal of our commitment to the Eastern Partnership countries and the journey of Moldova to the European Union. This Office will be here on the ground every day, standing by you, supporting you, and assisting you in all your efforts," emphasized President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

"It is a politically emotionally charged event and very important for us, a few days after the Evaluation Report was presented, in which Moldova received very good evaluations. It is, in fact, an appreciation of the work we have all done, and we must maintain the same pace in continuation, in order to open negotiations and continue our European path. The European Parliament's Office in Chisinau will ensure our ongoing interaction with the European Parliament and participation in all events and processes," highlighted Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.

Through its activity, the European Parliament Office in Moldova will support democracy and institutional reforms in the region. At the same time, the institution will provide assistance in preparing and following up on official visits by European deputies, strengthening cooperation with other EU actors on the ground, international organizations and civil society.

The decision to open a European Parliament Office for the Eastern Partnership countries in Moldova was taken by the European Parliament in last March. Presently, the European Parliament has three operational antenna offices: in New York for relations with the United Nations, in Jakarta for relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and in Addis Ababa for relations with the African Union.

The decision to open two additional offices, in Moldova and Albania, follows a previous decision by the Parliament's Bureau to establish offices in Kyiv, Ukraine, and in Panama, for relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Additionally, the European Parliament has liaison offices in all EU capitals, as well as regional offices in the five most populated member states and two offices outside the EU (in London and Washington).