GLOBSEC // President rejects pessimistic scenarios on Moldova’s EU accession: Decision must be taken in Brussels, not in Moscow

The Republic of Moldova is ready for official negotiations with the European Union, with accession to the European family representing a survival strategy in the context of Russian Federation aggression.

President Maia Sandu conveyed the message at GLOBSEC Forum in Prague. The head of state rejected pessimistic scenarios regarding Moldova’s chances of becoming an EU member state and called for support from international partners for the country’s European path. Maia Sandu also explained to journalists why she would vote for unification with Romania in a possible referendum.

The head of state took part in the event at the invitation of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and in her remarks spoke about Moldova’s European path, the reforms implemented in Chișinău, and the pressure exerted by the Russian Federation on the region.

“We are here because we still need friendship and partnerships. We need the support of democratic countries. I am here to speak about the achievements of the Republic of Moldova, but also about the challenges we are facing. I am here to continue to seek support for the integration of the Republic of Moldova,” Maia Sandu said.

The president rejected pessimistic scenarios regarding Moldova’s chances of becoming a member state of the European Union and stated that the authorities are continuing the reforms needed to advance accession negotiations.

“Why shouldn’t we succeed? We are progressing very well. We continue to carry out reforms and we hope that the European Union and the member states will be able to continue to offer us this opportunity,” the head of state said.

Maia Sandu said that the Republic of Moldova is ready to begin EU accession negotiations and expressed her hope that a formal decision in this regard could be taken in the coming weeks. In the context of the war in Ukraine and regional tensions, the president warned about Russia’s influence and stressed that European integration is a guarantee for maintaining democracy and security in the Republic of Moldova.

“European integration is indeed the strategy through which we can survive as a democracy in the long term. Moldova has strengthened its resilience. We have worked hard. But it is difficult for a small country to withstand alone for a very long time,” Maia Sandu said.

Referring to the Transnistrian issue, the head of state said that the authorities in Chișinău continue to look for peaceful solutions, reiterating at the same time that the European future of the Republic of Moldova must not be influenced from outside.

“I believe that the decision on enlargement, on Moldova’s accession to the European Union must be taken in Brussels, not in Moscow,” the president stressed.

At the forum, Maia Sandu was also asked about her previous statement regarding a possible referendum on the unification of the Republic of Moldova with Romania. The head of state said that the main objective is to keep the Republic of Moldova in the democratic and European space.

“This is not only about correcting a historical injustice. It is mainly about having security and ensuring that Moldova remains part of the free world,” Maia Sandu declared.

Messages of support for the Republic of Moldova also came from the Czech president, Petr Pavel, who praised the progress made by Chișinău in joining the European Union.

“I hope this is very realistic, because a recent EU report showed that Moldova has made the greatest progress among all countries aspiring to accession,” the Czech leader said, referring to the possibility of starting accession negotiations as early as June.

Petr Pavel emphasized that the Republic of Moldova already has a solid basis for launching negotiations with the European Union.

“This is a good basis for starting the accession process and for opening the first chapter. I believe this will happen soon,” the President of the Czech Republic stated.

GLOBSEC Forum in Prague is considered one of the most important international events dedicated to security, foreign policy and the future of Europe, bringing together political leaders, diplomats and experts from several European states and from the region.