BENELUX countries support European integration of Moldova

The foreign ministers of the BENELUX countries (Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands) came to Chișinău with a strong message of support for Moldova's European path. They reminded that this autumn's election will be a defining moment.

The conference was supported by Chișinău's head of diplomacy Mihai Popșoi, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium Maxime Prévot and Director General for European Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Heleen Bakker. The European officials aimed to deliver strong messages of support for our country's process of joining the large European family.

Xavier Bettel emphasized the importance of the free choice of Moldovan citizens and compared the European experience of the BENELUX countries to the path of Chișinău.


“Moldova's place is in Europe. The choice is yours, citizens, and no one has the right to decide for you. We, BENELUX countries, were among the founders of the European Union and have demonstrated that the differences between us are not a weakness but a strength. In Europe, we have grown in freedom, in peace, in prosperity, and in respect. Moldova deserves the same future. If you choose the European path, you will belong to a family where every voice counts. The courage and resilience you have shown are exactly the values that define the European Union,” declared Bettel.


Maxime Prévot congratulated Moldova for the courage over the past years.


“Congratulations, Moldova! Instead of yielding to Russia's pressure and attempts to destabilize you, you have become stronger. This determination has brought you closer to the European family. The second message is about energy independence: for the first time in decades, Moldova is no longer dependent on Gazprom and has demonstrated that sovereignty is not just a principle but a reality. Thirdly, Moldova's territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The Transnistrian region is part of Moldova, and the solution to the conflict must be peaceful, durable, and respect the social, cultural, and linguistic rights of all. I firmly believe that Moldova will be at home in Brussels, not as a guest but as a member of the European Union,” stated Prévot.


Heleen Bakker warned of hybrid attacks and reaffirmed European solidarity.


“Moldova is at the frontline of the hybrid war waged by Russia against democracy. We see how disinformation, cyberattacks, and attempts to undermine trust in institutions are intensifying, especially on the eve of elections. We are here to convey a clear message: Moldova is not alone. We will continue to support you through expertise, resources, and cooperation. Supporting Moldovan democracy is also defending European democracy. It is not just an act of solidarity but an investment in common security and our European future,” emphasized the Dutch official.


Popșoi thanked the BENELUX partners for the support and highlighted Moldova's achievements in the accession process.


“Today, Moldova is no longer just a candidate country but a state in full negotiation with the European Union. We have advanced in the screening process and benefit from the technical support of our partners from all European capitals. Facing hybrid attacks, disinformation, and attempts to destabilize, the Moldovan citizens have demonstrated resilience and determination to defend their future. No one will take us away from this path. Moldova's future is written here, by Moldovans, for Moldovans and for Europe. Today we have not only hope but also concrete achievements: from energy independence to judicial reforms and strengthening democracy. All these bring us closer, step by step, to the European family,” declared Popșoi.


The official also announced the tangible benefits of EU integration for citizens, such as future integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) from October 5 and the elimination of roaming charges with the EU starting January 1, 2026.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen multilateral cooperation between Moldova and the BENELUX states, focusing on European diplomacy, energy security, support for European integration, and partnerships in development.

The visit's agenda includes meetings with Mihai Popșoi, President Maia Sandu and Speaker Igor Grosu. Additionally, the foreign officials will visit Rădeni Photovoltaic Park, an event that will be followed by a debate with young people from Moldova.