European Commissioner on first visit to Chișinău: Moldova - important partner in strengthening Europe’s resilience

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib is paying first official visit to the Republic of Moldova today. The agenda includes several meetings and activities dedicated to supporting vulnerable people and strengthening crisis management capacities.

In Chișinău, the European Commissioner will meet with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and other members of the Government.

During her visit, the European official will attend a demonstration by Moldovan Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, using equipment provided with EU support. Hadja Lahbib will also visit a refugee accommodation center and La Strada organisation. According to the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, the discussions will focus on support for victims of sexual violence and the needs of vulnerable refugees.

On the eve of her visit, Hadja Lahbib gave an interview saying “the Republic of Moldova is not only a beneficiary of European support, but an increasingly important partner in strengthening Europe’s resilience.”

At the same time, the official emphasized that despite the challenges it has faced, the Republic of Moldova has chosen reforms and European cooperation instead of vulnerability and isolation.


“The pressure on the Republic of Moldova is real, and no one in Brussels underestimates it. But what we see, time and again, is a country choosing reforms and European cooperation instead of vulnerability and isolation. That is remarkable. And this is why the EU’s role is clear: to support the Republic of Moldova in strengthening this resilience, whether in response to energy shocks, disasters, disinformation or the grave humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” the European Commissioner told an interview with Ziarul de Gardă.


Hadja Lahbib noted that a special topic to be discussed during her visit to Chișinău will be the Republic of Moldova’s progress and the next steps needed to combat violence against women.


“At the same time, I am equally direct about the areas where further reforms are needed: the rights of persons with disabilities, Roma participation and the protection of LGBTIQ+ people. This candor is part of our partnership. Accession means building a country where equality is not only enshrined in law but also reflected in everyday life,” the European Commissioner emphasized.


At the end of her visit, Hadja Lahbib will make joint press statements alongside Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin and Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru.

This is Hadja Lahbib’s first official visit to the Republic of Moldova in her capacity as European Commissioner.