Prime Minister at UN: Moldova may never become great power, but it can certainly become great country

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan delivered a speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He spoke about the Republic of Moldova’s European path, the country’s security and resilience, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the right of states, regardless of their size, to decide their own future.

The official noted that for decades, the Republic of Moldova had been viewed as a country caught between East and West, where important decisions were influenced from outside. Today, the Prime Minister emphasized, the Republic of Moldova is a country that makes its own choices and builds its future independently.

“Small countries do not choose either their geographical position or their size. But being small does not mean being powerless. Nations, like people, are shaped by the choices they make: whom they trust, whom they choose to lead them, whom they consider their friends, and how they respond when things turn against them. For a long time, many of these choices were made by others on our behalf,” declared Tofan.

The Prime Minister spoke about the Republic of Moldova’s progress in reducing external dependencies and strengthening resilience. The country has diversified its gas procurement sources, the share of renewable energy has increased to approximately 30%, and the electricity system is becoming increasingly integrated with Romania’s system and the European network. At the same time, the Republic of Moldova has withstood illicit financing, disinformation, cyberattacks, and attempts to buy votes.

“Moldovans responded that their country is not for sale. Each of these choices came at a price. But each taught us the same lesson: we cannot control everything that happens around us, but what we do matters,” he said.

He emphasized that European integration has become the Republic of Moldova’s national project, while joining the European Union represents the exercise of citizens’ right to freely choose their future: “For us, joining the European Union does not mean replacing one sphere of influence with another. It means exactly the opposite. It means that our citizens are exercising their right to choose. To choose democracy. To choose prosperity. To choose peace.”

The Prime Minister noted that accession is not only about what Europe can offer the Republic of Moldova, but also about the contribution that our country can make to the European Union: a democracy that has learned to withstand interference, an emerging economy, a contribution to the stability of Europe’s eastern border, and the ability to test new ideas, carry out reforms, and move forward rapidly.

He also spoke about the development model that the Republic of Moldova can build by capitalizing on the advantages of a small country: faster administrative processes, clear rules, digital public services, and a framework conducive to innovation. The Prime Minister mentioned the goal of making the Republic of Moldova a place where emerging technologies can be tested responsibly and regulations can keep pace with innovation.

An important part of the speech focused on regional security and Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Republic of Moldova is directly feeling the consequences of the war, including through violations of its airspace by Russian drones. Furthermore, from the very beginning of the war, our country has supported Ukraine by welcoming refugees, keeping transport routes open, and facilitating the transit of Ukrainian grain.

“Power has never been distributed equally. And it never will be. But inequality of power must never become inequality of sovereignty. Countries are not buffer zones. Nations are not bargaining chips. If aggression is rewarded, it becomes a precedent—for the aggressor and for everyone watching. Peace must protect sovereignty and create the conditions for lasting security,” declared Tofan.

In this context, the Prime Minister reiterated the Republic of Moldova’s position regarding the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops illegally stationed in the Transnistrian region and the peaceful reintegration of the country, with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

From the UN podium, the Prime Minister addressed the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, speaking about the upcoming winter and the Government’s responsibility to support the most vulnerable first and foremost.

“I want to ask you for one important thing: let us stick together. In difficult times, this has helped us every time—not to leave one another alone, to help our neighbors, our parents, and the people who are struggling the most. We may have different opinions and vote differently. That is natural in a country where people think freely. But caring for those around us must unite us,” said Vasile Tofan.

The Prime Minister also announced the Republic of Moldova’s candidacy for the presidency of the 82nd session of the UN General Assembly, noting that small states must contribute to shaping the international system, rather than merely depend on it.

“For too long, Moldovans have been told that our country is too small, too exposed, and too divided to choose its own future. We know our problems. But we must also know our strength. Moldova may never become a great power, but it can certainly become a great country,” the Prime Minister concluded.