Expert Daniel Vodă on EPC Summit: Moldova asking Europe to see it as it really is – country of people who want peace and security

The European Political Community (EPC) Summit, taking place in Yerevan, creates a space where leaders can quickly and directly discuss the security of the continent, and the presence of the Republic of Moldova at the event is important, says expert Daniel Vodă. According to him, Moldova is asking Europe to see it as it really is – a country of people who want peace, security, good roads, stable energy, jobs, and the right to decide their own future.


“In today’s world, those who do not clearly claim their place at the table risk being overlooked. This should also be the message of Maia Sandu in Yerevan: Moldova is asking Europe to see it as it really is – a country of people who want peace, security, good roads, stable energy, jobs, and the right to decide their own future. Romania, standing by our side, shows that we are not walking this path alone. We are walking it together with those who know us, understand us, and know that a stronger Moldova means a safer Europe,” emphasized Daniel Vodă, in a commentary made in his capacity as an associate expert in foreign policy and strategic communication at the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE).


According to the expert, Yerevan is today becoming one of the political capitals of Europe. Although at first glance the European Political Community Summit may seem like just another diplomatic gathering, with leaders, official photos, and carefully weighed statements, in reality the stakes are higher, says Daniel Vodă.


“Because place matters. Armenia, a country that for years has been caught in heavy dependencies on Russia, is now expanding its space of political, economic, and security freedom. It is not an easy path. But it is a path that shows that states located in complicated regions can seek greater sovereignty by moving closer to Europe,” the expert said.


Daniel Vodă noted that the Republic of Moldova comes to this event with important lessons.


“The presence of the Republic of Moldova in Yerevan is important. Moldova, represented by Maia Sandu, comes with lessons: about energy pressure, cyberattacks, opaque financing, attempts to influence elections, and democratic resilience,” Vodă said.


The expert added that the EPC does not replace the enlargement of the European Union, which remains the EU’s most powerful geopolitical instrument.


“The EPC creates a space where leaders can quickly and directly discuss the security of the continent. Europe does not end where Moscow’s fear begins. Europe is built where societies choose democracy, freedom, and dignity,” he argued.


He also referred to the image of Maia Sandu and President of Romania Nicușor Dan, traveling together to Yerevan. The expert stated that beyond the symbolism, the message is clear: “the security of the Republic of Moldova and the security of Romania are increasingly difficult to separate; both banks of the Prut are part of the same European conversation about the future, resilience and security.”

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu is taking part today in the European Political Community Summit, hosted in Yerevan by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. The event brings together leaders from over 40 countries of the continent and represents a key forum for political dialogue, security cooperation and strengthening European unity.