President's message at annual conference on European Union enlargement – 2026 Enlargement Package

Dear Commissioner Marta Kos,

Dear guests,

Dear colleagues,

We are meeting today on a day of special significance for Europe. Thirty-seven years ago, on November 9, 1989, Berlin Wall fell, opening the way for the reunification of Europe.

Many of the countries that had spent decades in the darkness of totalitarianism regained their freedom and joined the European Union. They consolidated their democracies, developed their economies, and offered their people a better life, greater security, and confidence in the future.

The Republic of Moldova has had a more difficult journey. We lost years during which our country was kept dependent, subjected to energy blackmail, and prevented from developing. Today, we have the chance to make up for this lost time and become part of the European Union—a united Europe in which states are equal and rules are respected.

We are talking about an objective for which we are working and results that can be measured.

The report presented by the European Commission last week confirms the Republic of Moldova’s progress. We have advanced in all 33 negotiating chapters, opened four of the six clusters, and are fully prepared to open the remaining two.

We have made good progress in judicial reform, combating corruption, public administration, education, the economy, and energy security. The Commission acknowledges our achievements in foreign, security, and defense policy.

These results were achieved during a period in which we faced the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, energy crises, and unprecedented attempts to destabilize our country.

We have demonstrated that Moldova can move forward even when its security is under threat. We have gained experience from which other European states can learn. And we have demonstrated that a stronger Moldova contributes to Europe’s security.

The European Commission also recognized the pace of our reforms and, for the first time, mentioned that the objective of concluding accession negotiations by the beginning of 2028, although ambitious, is achievable.

Dear Commissioner,

We thank you for the support of the European Commission and for the work you and your team are doing. The Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union must be based solely on merit, and the progress achieved must be recognized through concrete decisions. We count on a fair assessment of our reforms and on the support of the Member States to advance the accession negotiations.

It must be said that we would not have come this far without the work of dedicated people who understood the responsibility they bear toward the country and its future. I want to thank all our colleagues in the institutions involved for their considerable effort and professionalism.

Special recognition is due to those in the Bureau for European Integration, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the independent institutions in the fields of justice and anti-corruption, who worked to fulfill the interim benchmarks in areas essential to accession: justice, combating corruption, fundamental rights, and security.

I know how much work is being done, at an unimaginable pace, with many hours of overtime to prepare reforms, align legislation, and find solutions to difficult problems. This is discreet work that does not attract public attention, but without it we would not have come this far.

I also thank our colleagues in Parliament, who are responsible for adopting the legislation required for accession.

I equally welcome the contribution of representatives of non-governmental organizations, who have supported the reforms and provided expertise.

I also thank representatives of the private sector and business associations, who are helping prepare our economy for the European single market and contributing to the development of a more competitive economy.

I also thank the local authorities and our citizens in the diaspora for their commitment and dialogue.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our objective is to be ready to conclude the accession negotiations by 2028. To achieve this, 2027 must be a year of concrete results, especially in terms of implementation.

The European Commission has presented its vision of the decision-making process once new members join and how compliance with European rules and values will be ensured by all Member States.

For the Republic of Moldova, this discussion is essential.

We want a mechanism that guarantees the preservation of the rule of law and the continuation of reforms after we join.

We know how much money Russia allocates to destabilize societies and destroy democracies. Therefore, it is a good thing that the European Union is discussing stronger mechanisms to defend European values. We want clear rules to ensure that Moldova can no longer be turned back from its European path. We want the reforms we are carrying out today to endure after accession.

Dear colleagues,

Not all decisions concerning enlargement depend on us. But one thing certainly depends on each of us: what kind of country we build at home.

A country where the law is respected. Where people can work and live in safety. Where we are free, respected, and respectful of others.

This is the Moldova we must build, no matter how difficult the journey may be. And this is the Moldova we want to bring into the European Union.

Our objective remains clear: to become a full-fledged member state of the European Union.

We are not afraid that there is much work to do. Because we know that now is the time for Moldova to fulfill the hope carried by entire generations: the hope of living in peace and freedom alongside the other European peoples.

Thank you!