Moldovan president, on visit to Dublin, says Ireland’s transformation after EU accession model for Moldova’s European future

President Maia Sandu today morning started her official visit to Ireland, where she had meetings with President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Ireland will assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2026.

The discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral relations and support for the European path of Moldova. In addition, in the presence of the head of state and the Irish Prime Minister, an agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licenses was signed, a concrete step that will simplify the daily lives of Moldovan citizens living in Ireland.

During the talks, the head of state cited Ireland’s transformation as a model for Moldova’s European trajectory: in 1973, Ireland joined the European Community with three million inhabitants, a predominantly agricultural economy and many young people leaving the country. Half a century later, it is one of the most prosperous and innovative countries in the world. Moldova is following the same path.

In the context of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the head of state expressed confidence that Ireland would actively support the advancement of Moldova’s European path: “In 2004, under an Irish Presidency, the EU carried out the largest enlargement in its history. We hope that Ireland will show the same vision and solidarity for Moldova’s cause today, so that we can take decisive steps forward.”

For his part, the Irish PM reaffirmed his strong support for the European integration of Moldova: “During our meeting, we reiterated Ireland’s position that Moldova’s future lies in the European Union. Ireland strongly supports the enlargement of the European Union. We now have a generational opportunity to further unite our continent, and it is essential that the European Union seizes this moment. Ireland has hugely benefited from EU membership over the past 50 years. We believe that other European countries also deserve the same opportunities, once they meet the necessary criteria.”

In the afternoon, the head of state will also have meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris, as well as with members of the Irish parliament. The president will also take part in a public discussion at the Trinity College Dublin. The visit will conclude today evening with a meeting with members of the Moldovan community living in Ireland.