Moldovan president on working visit to the Netherlands: deepening bilateral partnership, support for EU accession

President Maia Sandu today paid a working visit to The Hague, the Netherlands, where she had meetings with Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen. The three officials are also leaders of the parties in the new ruling coalition, inaugurated in last February.

The discussions focused on deepening the bilateral partnership and on the Netherlands’ support for Moldova’s domestic reforms and European integration path. Successive governments in The Hague have provided concrete support for justice reform, for strengthening civil society and the free press, as well as for countering hybrid threats, including disinformation, illicit financing of political activities and cyberattacks. The two countries are also engaged in a bilateral dialogue on cybersecurity and defence, which are pillars of an increasingly robust security partnership.

"The Netherlands has stood by us against hybrid threats. You have helped protect our elections, our institutions, our democratic processes," President Maia Sandu said.

Economically, the bilateral relationship has significant development potential. Trade is increasing, Dutch companies are becoming more active in Moldova, including in the IT sector, and the agreement on avoiding double taxation provides a solid basis for expanding investments. The Benelux–Moldova Business Forum, scheduled for next June in Maastricht, will provide fresh momentum for the business communities of both countries.

In her discussions with officials in The Hague, the head of state advocated for opening all clusters of negotiation chapters, so that Moldova can move to the next stage in the EU accession process.

The visit to The Hague is part of the Moldovan president’s series of bilateral contacts with EU member states, aimed at advancing the country’s accession to the European Union.