Moldovan deputy PM says Moldova willing to be European Union member together with Ukraine

Moldova wants to join the European Union together with Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi today made statements to this effect at a joint news conference with Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana-Silvia Toiu, in Chisinau.

The Moldovan diplomacy head said that Ukraine was the shield that "has protected us, for more than three years, from the fury of the aggressor."

"We support Ukraine not only through the humanitarian aid we provide, but also through the generosity shown by the citizens of Moldova during the refugee crisis. These actions have led the international community to regard Moldova as a small country with a big heart. The openness and generosity are appreciated both in Chisinau and in European capitals. We are firmly convinced that we will continue on this path, so that we can join the great European family together, because only in this way can we ensure stability, peace and prosperity throughout the region," said Mihai Popsoi.

For her part, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Toiu emphasized that, in the EU accession process, the principle of evaluation based on each country's merits must be respected.

"It must be very clear that Moldova has made extraordinary progress, which is recognized by the member states of the European Union. At the same time, Ukraine has also made significant progress. From the perspective of each country's merits, we must find a solution by the end of this year, so that negotiations can be opened. We believe there are technical grounds for opening several clusters during  this year," the official said.

Ukraine submitted its application for EU membership in February 2022 and  Moldova - in March 2022. The countries were given the status candidate in June 2022 and the accession negotiations were officially opened in June 2024.