Former president of European Council encourages Moldova on path to EU

The former president of the European Council, Charles Michel, has returned to Moldova, where he delivered a message of support and encouragement for the country’s European path. Michel urged Moldovans to maintain their confidence, emphasizing that they had a past they can be proud of and had proved resilience in an environment threatened by the risk of destabilization.

In Chisinau, Michel said he was glad to return to a country “he cares about,” describing the Moldovan society as “vibrant” and future‑oriented.

“It is a unique opportunity for the country to come together. You must be proud of your past – you have faced challenges and obstacles, but you also have achievements. You know the direction in which you need to go, and you have a huge economic potential,” Charles Michel underlined.

Referring to the steps needed for accession to the European Union, the former official encouraged the authorities and citizens to have confidence and to continue the reforms.

“You have talented people; you have strengths and you know what needs to be done. Reforms can be difficult and do not bring immediate results, but they are not requested only by Brussels – they are necessary to improve the economy and people’s lives,” he said.

Charles Michel also noted the determination of Moldova’s citizens as expressed in the most recent elections, despite attempts at interference and destabilization.

“People sent a clear message and it was heard in the European Union,” he said, adding that he is conveying an optimistic message from Europe.

At the same time, the former President of the European Council highlighted Moldova’s experience in terms of resilience, stressing that it can also be useful to other European states.

“You are in a complicated environment, but you have proved the ability to withstand attempts at destabilization. This experience is valuable not only for Moldova, but also for the European Union,” Charles Michel pointed out.

Charles Michel served as President of the European Council starting from 2019 till 2024, a period during which Moldova made decisive steps toward European integration: it submitted its application for accession to the European Union and got the candidate country status. Throughout his term, the European official stood out as an active supporter of Chisinau’s European course.

The former president of the European Council was a guest at the Reinvent Moldova 2.0 event, organized by Realitatea Moldova.