9 May in Chisinau // Moldovan president says Moldova commemorates people who lost their lives to restore peace on continent, European Union strongest peace project

“Moldova commemorates the people who lost their lives in the Second World War, people who fought to restore peace on the continent. And the European Union is the strongest peace project.” President Maia Sandu has made this statement after laying flowers at the Eternity Memorial Complex.

The head of state said that this day is dedicated to the memory of those who had sacrificed their lives to restore peace in Europe.

“Today, we commemorate the people who lost their lives in the Second World War, people who fought to restore peace on the continent,” Maia Sandu said.

The Moldovan president emphasized that the war launched by Russia against Ukraine had profoundly changed the way people perceive the value of peace and security in the region.

“Since 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, we all understand much more deeply the meaning of peace and we value, more than ever, the need to preserve it,” the head of state stressed.

Maia Sandu thanked the Ukrainian people for their resistance in the face of Russian aggression and highlighted their role in maintaining regional security.

“We are grateful to the Ukrainian people, who are resisting Russian aggression. Thanks to the courage of Ukrainians, Moldovans can live in peace today. We want peace to return to Ukraine as well, and stability to be restored across the entire European continent and, of course, throughout the world,” Maia Sandu said.

The head of state underlined the importance of the European integration for the future of Moldova, describing the European Union as a guarantor of peace and stability.

“The European Union is the strongest peace project on our continent. That is why, we will continue to work to achieve this strategic objective of Moldova, so that peace and security are ensured for many years to come, both in our country and in Europe,” the president also said.

In the context of the security risks triggered by the war in Ukraine, Maia Sandu stressed the need to strengthen the defence capabilities of Moldova.

“As long as Russia continues the war against Ukraine, the risks remain present for Moldova as well. This is precisely why we must value even more the courage of Ukrainians, who contribute directly to the security of our region,” she said.

At the same time, the Moldovan president reiterated that the state had the obligation to invest in the safety of its citizens and in strengthening the defence system.

“The main responsibility of the state towards its citizens is their safety. We will continue to invest and to cooperate with international partners, in order to increase the level of security, so that each citizen knows that his/her life and the of his/her family are protected,” Maia Sandu underlined.

In Moldova, 9 May has a double significance: the commemoration of the victory over fascism and Nazism, and the celebration of Europe Day, marked annually in memory of the Schuman Declaration, considered the founding act of the European project.