President at Diaspora Congress

Although we are a small country, today we have a strong and respected voice. This is also thanks to you, as our communities are appreciated everywhere in the democratic world. President Maia Sandu made the statement at the Diaspora Congress, which is taking place at the Palace of the Republic.

The official spoke about unity and our nation's traditions, as well as the importance of continuing the country's European path to ensure peace and prosperity for its citizens.


'What happens in August in our country is not just a family reunion; it is a gathering of our nation. During these days, brothers and sisters, parents and children, grandchildren and grandparents meet. In our localities, people gather, festivals are organized, where we remember traditions, enjoy our Moldovan dishes, and delight in each other's company. Over the past four years, we have not only placed the Republic of Moldova on the world map, but we have managed to build strong partnerships and close friendships with countries around the world. Even though we are a small country, today we have a strong and respected voice. This is also thanks to you, as our communities are appreciated everywhere in the democratic world. An important thing that happened is the referendum last fall and the fact that we managed to enshrine in the Constitution the goal of the Republic of Moldova's accession to the European Union. It is a crucial decision that cements our European path. Many of you live in EU member countries and know from personal experience the benefits of the EU accession process, but for those who still wonder why Moldova needs the European Union, we answer – so that we can maintain peace in our country,' affirmed Maia Sandu.


The President mentioned that the European Union is a project of prosperity. Thus, under the European umbrella, the authorities will protect democracy and sovereignty, as well as continue implementing reforms in key areas such as justice.


'We need the support of the European Union to carry out important projects in various fields, including improving living standards in our cities and villages. Through this process of enhancing living conditions and standards, we can persuade more people to stay home or return to the Republic of Moldova. Furthermore, we need the European Union to strengthen democracy, protect freedom and sovereignty, and continue reforms, especially in the justice area. I want to sincerely thank all those who supported the constitutional amendment decision at the referendum and urge you to continue helping us combat the falsehoods and scaremongering about the European Union. We have advanced significantly on the path to European integration, but the fight is not yet fully won,' said Maia Sandu.


The head of state presented key actions taken for the benefit of citizens in the diaspora, so that they can have more rights and social benefits.


'Recently, we have signed a record number of Social Protection Agreements for our fellow citizens who have gone abroad. We have a new Agreement with Italy and hope it will greatly assist citizens. We managed to sign an Agreement with France, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, and Latvia. Additionally, we signed Driving License Recognition Agreements with France, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Albania, and Germany. Moreover, we opened two new consulates in Chicago and Sacramento and reduced consular fees. These days, a new e-Consulate program was launched, enabling online requests for consular services. Now, this platform is available for nine countries and will subsequently expand to all diplomatic missions. Additionally, the government launched the governmental return assistance service. Young students abroad can spend the summer or vacation working for public institutions and be remunerated for these internships. Starting January 1, 2026, roaming costs will be eliminated with EU member countries. Moreover, we aimed to have more flights and direct destinations to shorten the journey home. Families returning home continue to benefit from tax exemptions when bringing personal goods into the country. A few hundred families have already benefited from these exemptions,' added Maia Sandu.


Additionally, the President spoke about strategic energy projects that will allow the Republic of Moldova to no longer be dependent on a single supplier and will help integrate the country into the European energy market.

Another crucial topic was the European Village program, through which the country's localities are being modernized.


'Through the European Village, we implemented over 900 projects across the country. I hope you managed to see the results of these initiatives. Many projects are carried out with external support, especially from the European Union. Additionally, we are renovating hospitals, implementing environmental and infrastructure projects to improve our citizens' living conditions,' noted the official.


Maia Sandu highlighted progress made in the justice system.

The president reiterated that the diaspora is a strategic actor for the present and future of the Republic of Moldova, and the partnership between the state and citizens abroad is based on trust, mutual respect, and transparency. Moreover, she highlighted foreign interferences that have intensified in the context of parliamentary elections and the need to resist democratically against these interferences.


'In recent years, the diaspora has played a crucial role in supporting democratic processes in the country, especially through active participation in national elections. Members of the diaspora are not just witnesses but active participants in the transformations of Moldova. In recent years, you have shown, through massive electoral participation, that you care, that your voice matters, and that the future of Moldova is also your future. In this election year, unfortunately, the democratic processes in the country, again, massively and brutally, are disturbed by forces wanting to keep Moldova in a grey area and use it at their will. Moldova continues to resist these interferences with democratic means. We resist, and Moldova's success is not only in the country's interest but is also essential for European stability and security, broadly speaking. More recently, we know that there are unprecedented pressures even on the diaspora. We have information about attempts to corrupt diaspora voters and also notice a substantial increase in activism from inauthentic accounts in Moldovan diaspora media, promoting anti-EU messages. It is clear that this phenomenon will expand in the coming weeks. Therefore, we must be vigilant, united, and defend our sovereignty, democracy, freedom, and European choice,' said Maia Sandu.


The official reiterated the importance of the vote cast by diaspora citizens.


'Around the elections, we again hear voices saying that the diaspora should not decide the country's future or that the diaspora is a mass of people who should be deprived of the right to vote, who can be manipulated or detached from the country. They do not understand that behind the word diaspora stand mothers and fathers who had to go far from their children for their well-being, daughters and sons who had to go far from parents to care for them. They do not understand what it means to be thousands of kilometers away and long for the parental home, for holidays spent in the past with loved ones. They do not understand that behind the word diaspora lies a mountain of sacrifices and dedication to loved ones, an unwavering longing for home, and hopes for a better future. We were all born in Moldova and carry it in our hearts wherever we are. Everything we have achieved so far is the joint result of those at home and those who left Moldova because we took our fate into our hands and remained united. The involvement and contribution of the diaspora in all development processes of the country feel increasingly significant and appreciated. We will succeed from now on, if we continue to stay together and pursue our national interest with determination,' concluded Maia Sandu.


The most important event of the year dedicated to the diaspora – the Diaspora Congress – is taking place on 15 August at the Palace of the Republic. The event has reached its eleventh edition.

Every year, the Congress brings together Moldovans from across the world to share ideas, discuss the future of Moldova, and identify ways for active involvement in the country's development. Thus, topics discussed at the Diaspora Congress include European integration; civic activism and fighting disinformation; young diaspora – tomorrow's leaders; diaspora involvement in local development; Moldovans in the diaspora – cultural ambassadors of Moldova worldwide.

The event is organized by the Diaspora Relations Office, with the support of GIZ Moldova, UNDP Moldova and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.