Moldovan PM in Bucharest: “Let us take Moldova where it belongs, into the European Union”

Romania is the main strategic partner for Moldova and the relationship between our countries works not only through long-term projects, but also through the ability to respond quickly when difficult situations arise. We share a common history, a common language and a fraternal closeness that has been strengthened over time, but we also have a common goal we strive toward: to take Moldova where it belongs, into the European Union. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan today conveyed a message to this effect during his visit to Bucharest, where he held a joint press conference together with Romania’s interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

Vasile Tofan specified that he wanted his first foreign visit to be to Bucharest. “When I am in Romania I feel at home and today the feeling is the same, except that the responsibility is much greater,” he said.

“A few years ago, we were celebrating the listing of the first Moldovan company on the Bucharest Stock Exchange and talking with Romanian investors about opportunities in Moldova. Today I return as prime minister, but in a way the questions are the same. How do we transform this extraordinary closeness between our states, this fraternal relationship, into more investments, into more joint projects? Or, if you allow me the metaphor, how do we turn those bridges of flowers that we knew as young people into bridges of stone, bridges of capital, bridges of energy,” said Vasile Tofan.

He noted that, for Moldova, Romania is the main strategic partner, the two countries sharing a common history, a common language and a deep fraternal closeness, built and strengthened over time.

“As prime minister, I want to emphasize the very concrete side of this relationship, what we have already built together and, above all, what we can build from now on. The government I lead has assumed a mandate that is simple to formulate, but particularly difficult to carry out: to build a European economy and an efficient state. And Romania is important for both,” said the Moldovan PM.

Vasile Tofan pointed out that Romania is already the main export market for Moldovan products. Almost 30 per cent of what Moldova exports goes to Romania and trade has exceeded 3 billion euros. The official said that the potential for expanding opportunities is much greater.

“This is the direction in which I want us to move forward, together. More joint projects, more investments, more results that can be seen in the daily lives of people on both banks of the Prut. And we have another common objective that binds us all: to take Moldova where it belongs, into the European Union. I know that on this path we can count on Romania, just as we have been able to count on it every time. And for this constant support, I and all the citizens of Moldova are deeply grateful,” said the prime minister of Moldova.

The accession of Moldova to the European Union was a priority topic on the agenda of the discussions between the two officials. Vasile Tofan stressed that the objective of Moldova is to conclude the Accession Treaty by the end of 2028, and by 2030 to be prepared for the status of EU member state. According to him, Chisinau is counting on Romania’s support in this process.

“For us, this is the direction in which we want to take the country and around which we are building our reforms, our economy and our institutions. Our objective is that, by the end of 2028, Moldova will conclude the Accession Treaty, and by 2030 we will be ready for the status of EU member state. It is an ambitious target, but I believe it is important to work with clear deadlines and I am confident that we can succeed. A deadline compels us to greater discipline, to prioritization and to a constant evaluation of progress. And we are counting heavily on Romania’s support in this process. Here Romania has an experience that we not only admire, but use every day. We also want to learn from the things that worked less well, in order to manage similar challenges better. And, of course, we count on Romania’s strong political support. In Brussels, Romania has been and must remain the firmest voice in supporting the accession of Moldova, and for us this support is enormously important, especially in the stages to come,” declared Vasile Tofan.

The prime minister also reviewed the main projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy, referring, in particular, to the new Ungheni–Ungheni road bridge and the Balti–Suceava power line.

In the context, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan invited companies from Romania to expand their businesses in Moldova, urging them to view the country as an economy preparing to become part of the EU single market.

“I do not want our economic relationship to be limited only to trade and exports. We want more Romanian investments in Moldova. Companies that produce together, common value chains and industrial, technological and energy projects. I am saying all this here in Bucharest, because I want the Romanian business community to see Moldova not only as a market of under three million people, but as an economy that is preparing to become part of the EU single market. And this process is already creating real opportunities for companies that want to enter early, to be the pioneers of this transition and to be well positioned for the next stage of development of Moldova,” said Vasile Tofan.

The officials also discussed the immediate crises and challenges facing the two states.

“In Chisinau, we have declared a state of alert in the energy and hydrological sectors. The decline in diesel stocks, the logistical difficulties caused in part by the very low level of the Danube and the reduction of water resources in the Dniester basin oblige us to act preventively and in a coordinated manner. In the context, I want to thank Romania for its openness in maintaining the flows of oil products to Moldova. This is concrete support and yet another example that the relationship between our countries works not only through long-term strategic projects, but also through the ability to respond quickly when difficult situations arise,” underlined the Moldovan PM.

At the same time, Vasile Tofan and Ilie Bolojan assessed the security developments in the region, reconfirming their support for a just peace in Ukraine and condemning Russian attacks on the neighboring state.

“Today we also discussed security. In recent days, Romania has faced three new incursions by Russian drones and Romanian forces have intervened to shoot them down. I want to express very clearly the solidarity of Moldova with Romania. The violation of the airspace of a sovereign state is unacceptable. We too know directly what this threat means. We must also be very clear about the source of these risks. They are the direct consequence of the war launched by Russia against Ukraine. If this war did not exist, we would not be discussing today drones entering the airspace of Romania or of Moldova. That is why, our security is directly linked to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and to achieve a just and lasting peace. Support for Ukraine is also a direct investment in the security of Moldova and of the entire region,” said Vasile Tofan.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan is paying a visit to Bucharest today, this being his first foreign visit since taking office.