Moldovan president says at 2025 Diaspora Congress: 'We were all born in Moldova and carry Moldova in our hearts wherever we are'

President Maia Sandu has participated in the 12th edition of the Diaspora Congress, an event that brings thousands of Moldovans from all corners of the world back home every August.

‘’What happens in August in our country is not just a families’ reunion; it is a meeting of our nation. These days, brothers and sisters, parents and children, grandchildren and grandparents meet. Everything we have achieved until now is our common result, of all of us, both those at home and those who have left Moldova, as we took our destiny into our own hands, because we were wise, and because we stayed united,’’ said the head of state, thanking citizens for representing Moldova with honor and dignity.

At the event, the president referred to the progress made in recent years in supporting citizens abroad. Thus, consular fees have been reduced by 50 per cent, and the fee was completely eliminated for minors’ passports. In August, the eConsulate platform was launched, already available in nine countries, allowing online consular services requests and submission of documents via phone or computer, reducing time spent at counters.

Social protection agreements have been signed with Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Greece and Latvia, so that work periods in Moldova and these states are combined on pension purposes. At the same time, agreements for the recognition of driving licenses, including with France, Spain, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, Latvia, and recently the United Kingdom, facilitate their mobility, and in Germany, citizens were exempted from the theoretical driving test.

Support for those ruling to return home includes tax facilities for repatriating personal belongings, as well as programmes that allow professionals to return temporarily to transfer expertise, and young graduates from abroad receive guidance and financial support to settle in the country. Additionally, in the past four years, hundreds of students from the Diaspora have completed paid internships in Moldovan public institutions.

This year, Moldova joined the SEPA payment system, which will reduce the costs of bank transfers, and starting from January 1, 2026, roaming costs with all EU countries will be completely eliminated. The budget for cultural actions has increased and 37 projects by Diaspora associations have been funded.

‘’Everything we have achieved until now is our common result, of all of us, both those at home and those who have left Moldova, as we took our destiny into our own hands, because we were wise and because we stayed united,’’ President Maia Sandu said.

Every year, the government of Moldova marks the Diaspora Days. Throughout the month, activities take place across the country bringing Moldovans at home closer to those settled abroad: youth forums, dialogues on involvement in the country's development, excursions, cultural festivals and other events that highlight the community spirit and the connection with Moldova.