European Commission Vice-President: Transnistrian region will not be obstacle to European future of Moldova

The region on the left bank of the Dniester will not represent an impediment to the European path of the Republic of Moldova. The statement was made today in Chisinau by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas, during a joint press conference with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu.

“Madam President Maia Sandu, it is a pleasure to be in Chisinau today, on the eve of Europe Day, reminding us that Europe is stronger together. The Republic of Moldova is one of the closest and most important partners of the European Union, and we want to see it as part of the European Union,” Kallas said.

The European official praised the pace of reforms implemented by the authorities in Chisinau, noting that they are “sustainable and directly beneficial to citizens.”

“We recognize the remarkable progress and determination of the Republic of Moldova. Accession to the European Union is not only a technical process, but also a political one,” Kallas underlined.

One of the central messages of her remarks focused on the region on the left bank of the Dniester, which the European official excluded from the list of potential obstacles in the accession process.

“I want to assure you that the Transnistrian region will not become an obstacle to the European future of the Republic of Moldova,” the European Commission Vice-President said.

Kaja Kallas pointed out that the Republic of Moldova “already belongs to the European space” and announced the forthcoming organization of the second European Union–Republic of Moldova summit. In her speech, the European official also referred to the war in Ukraine, as well as to the pressure exerted by the Russian Federation on the Republic of Moldova, including through disinformation, energy pressure and attacks on critical infrastructure. She recalled that the European Union has intervened in crisis situations, including by providing support for the supply of drinking water and electricity.

Kallas also stressed that European support, including surveillance equipment and radar delivered to the Republic of Moldova, contributes to increased security and to strengthening air defence capabilities.

“All these examples demonstrate the practical value of our support. The European Union is and will remain at the side of the Republic of Moldova,” the European official concluded. Kaja Kallas is paying an official visit to the Republic of Moldova on 7 - 8 May, with meetings scheduled with the country’s leadership, ministers and members of civil society.