Moldovan president, European commissioner for enlargement discuss EU accession process, projects under growth plan

President Maia Sandu today met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, on an official visit to Chisinau. The discussions focused on the concrete steps Moldova is taking in the process of joining the European Union, including the assessment of national legislation with regards to the EU acquis.

The head of state emphasized that both Moldova and Ukraine were ready to advance to the next stage of negotiations, in a meritocratic process reflecting the efforts and progress of both countries.

The officials also discussed ongoing projects under the Growth Plan for Moldova, a 1.9-billion-euros investment programme. Part of the funds, disbursed in the last summer, was meant for projects that directly benefit citizens: rehabilitation of over 200 km of regional and local roads, modernization of school cafeterias to provide free meals to pupils starting from September, grant support for entrepreneurs, programmes for young people, and waste collection equipment in villages.

At the same time, the Moldovan president welcomed the disbursement of the next installment of 18.9 million euros, as a result of the progress achieved by Moldova.

Another topic addressed involved the authorities' efforts to protect the integrity of the parliamentary election due on September 28th, in the context of the foreign interference in the democratic process. President Maia Sandu emphasized that state institutions were acting decisively and in coordination, in order to defend the will of the people.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of a European future for Moldova - the only way to ensure the country's independence, peace and the well-being of its citizens.