Moldovan president says Moldova does not have right to fail, EU accession project enjoying popular support

Moldova must persist "with great determination" in the process of accession to the European Union (EU), as this goal is widely supported by the country’s citizens. "We do not have the right to fail," said Maia Sandu, stressing that Moldovan  authorities have the mission to deliver results on all commitments made to the EU.

"We do not have the right to fail; EU accession is the project that has popular support, and this is very important. We can move forward with the project that enjoys popular backing. It is not easy; many things can happen, many things can change, but it is our mission to deliver domestic results on all our commitments to the EU and to pursue a very, very serious foreign policy, so that we can resolve all the problems that arise or may arise along this path," the head of state said.

President Maia Sandu outlined the priorities for 2026, emphasizing the need to continue reforms, in order to advance on the path of European integration. The head of state noted that EU accession was a safety anchor for Moldova in an uncertain regional context.

"We cannot give up this important project. We must press ahead with even more determination on European integration. European integration is our safety anchor in the face of an uncertain future. The entire political class must understand that any deviation from this path endangers our freedom, peace and well-being," the president emphasized.

The president highlighted the importance of strengthening state institutions, so that they become more efficient, more respectful toward citizens and more responsible in managing public money. In her speech, the head of state urged citizens to remain united and to be guided in life by genuine values, such as decency, diligence, honesty and care for others.

"We must strengthen our state from within; institutions must become more efficient, more respectful toward people, more prudent with public funds. But most importantly, regardless of the decisions taken by those who are now great and powerful, we all must remain human. We must have the courage not to abandon our values. On the contrary, we must always be guided by the values of our nation: decency, diligence, honesty and care for our fellow human beings. Each of us matters in this effort," Maia Sandu stated.

President Maia Sandu today held a press conference, during which she presented the priorities for 2026 and answered journalists’ questions.

Moldova officially submitted its application for accession to the European Union in March 2022, marking a historic moment in its European trajectory. Following a swift assessment of the country’s progress, in June 2022, Moldova got candidate country status, consolidating both political commitment and popular support for European integration.

In December 2023, the European Council ruled to open accession negotiations with Moldova, a decisive step in the integration process. Subsequently, in October 2024, a referendum on European integration was held and supported by the majority of citizens, confirming popular backing for the country’s European course.

On the external front, Moldova has strengthened its relations with EU member states and other international partners. In July 2025, the first EU–Moldova summit took place in Chișinău, an event that underscored the importance of deepening political and economic cooperation with the European Union. At the same time, the Moldovan authorities completed the bilateral screening process with the EU, and technical negotiations were opened on three chapters, essential steps in preparing for actual accession.

The authorities in Chisinau aim for Moldova to join the European Union by 2030, with the country expected to be ready by 2028 to meet all necessary criteria.