Moldovan president, leaders of France, Germany, Poland have meeting

Our friends are here, beside us, to clearly state that Moldova matters, and European Union membership is not a distant dream, but a project we are working on.  President Maia Sandu has made statements to this effect at a joint press conference with President of France Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk in Chisinau.

The president thanked European officials for standing with our citizens on the day when the Republic of Moldova celebrates 34 years of Independence.

“Your presence here is a clear sign of your respect and appreciation for Moldovans and Moldova. Over the years, and today even more strongly, we feel like a family. And in a family, joys are shared and burdens are carried together. For this solidarity, we thank you very much,” said Maia Sandu.

The official said that Europe had been born as a peace project, and the Republic of Moldova is following this historical path.

“Almost 75 years ago, after the most destructive war in history, the visionary leaders of France and Germany had the courage to build a united Europe, where former rivals became partners. A bit later, Poland, after decades of dictatorship, showed that freedom and democracy could be reborn and strengthen Europe. Today, Moldova is following in the footsteps of this history. Like your countries, we know what it means to fight for freedom, to wish peace and to want a dignified future for our children. We have always admired France, Germany and Poland for your culture, democratic tradition, courage and the perseverance with which you've built your prosperity,” Maia Sandu noted.

The head of state also said that, in recent years, the country's voice had become strong. Therefore, according to the official, “now Moldova is not only known, but also respected.”

“Moldova has made it onto the world map. It wasn't, and isn't, an easy road. But now we are treading it with allies and friends always by our side. Today we celebrate a free country, respected for its honest and hardworking people, for its sweet fruits, high-quality wines, welcoming localities and for our solidarity. Our humanity has always been a priority for Moldovans, and despite our vulnerabilities, we have opened our homes and hearts to our Ukrainian neighbors fleeing the bombs,” added Maia Sandu.

She emphasized that, in the last four years, many important achievements have been made to strengthen key sectors, so that we are no longer blackmailed.

“We have strengthened state institutions. We have consolidated energy security, so that no one can blackmail us anymore. The European support reaching Moldova is being invested in localities, and the progress in development is increasingly noticeable. We have gained access to the largest market in the world – the European market. Here our producers find stability, clear rules and real opportunities, not embargoes and blackmail. We have built strong friendships that make us stronger. Today, our friends are here, beside us, to clearly state that Moldova matters, and European Union membership is not a distant dream, but a project we are working on. It is a project in our hands and we cannot afford to lose it. We cannot allow dreadful times to return, nor let there be another insurmountable chasm between us and Europe,” Maia Sandu opined.

The president reiterated that there is no alternative to Europe, and without the European Union, Moldova remains stuck in the past.

“Your presence here – France, Germany, Poland – not only shows support for Moldova, but also that the European project continues and we are part of it. We feel this with every bomb dropped over the neighboring country. The ruthless war waged by Russia against Ukraine shows daily: Europe stands for freedom and peace; Putin's Russia stands for war and death. Moldovans have already chosen the right direction: the European path, the path of peace. But we all know: independence is not a guaranteed thing. It depends on the choices we make. Today, our independence, sovereignty and peace are tested more than ever: interference in our elections, illegal financing from outside, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, paid protests, the use of the church and online platforms for anti-European messages, sabotaging the Diaspora's vote, spreading discord between communities. All these are immense pressures. It depends on us whether these will succeed in dividing and stopping us,” the official said.

Maia Sandu highlighted that, last year, a tough battle for democracy had been fought, and Moldovans impressed the entire world by standing tall, by voting, in front of much larger foreign forces.

“We will only have the future we desire, if we protect it. We understand our responsibility. Only Moldovans must decide for Moldova. The courage of Moldovans, our dignity and our honest work will make Europe stronger, safer, more united and prosperous. We have admired the story of European construction for years. Today, Moldova is part of this construction. We are not alone and that gives us strength. It empowers us to continue maintaining peace, freedom and development in our country and we do this alongside our European family. Happy Independence Day, Republic of Moldova!” concluded the head of state.

President of France, Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz  and the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk are paying official visit to the Republic of Moldova today, at the invitation of President Maia Sandu.

This visit takes place on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova. In the evening, after 20:00 the Moldovan president, along with the high-ranking guests take to the stage on the Great National Assembly Square to address the citizens.





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