MOLDPRES INTERVIEW // Ambassador Iwona Piorko: ''Moldovans chose the European future and EU is determined to turn this choice into reality''

Marking 35 years of independence, the Republic of Moldova stands at a pivotal moment for its European future. In an exclusive interview given with MOLDPRES, EU Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piórko discusses the next steps in the accession process and emphasizes that the country is ready to move forward with opening the remaining negotiating clusters.

Addressing Moldova's security in the context of regional and hybrid threats, Iwona Piórko stresses that "Moldova's security is our shared European security."

In a message to citizens on the occasion of Independence Day, the Ambassador reaffirms the EU's support for the country's European choice.



MOLDPRES: On 27 August, the Republic of Moldova marks the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of its independence. Over these 35 years, the country has gone through several phases and geopolitical orientations. Today, European integration is the Republic of Moldova’s strategic objective. How is this European journey viewed in Brussels against a new political and geopolitical backdrop, marked by the war in Ukraine, hybrid threats and profound changes in Europe?

Iwona Piórko: First of all - la mulți ani, Republica Moldova! I want to congratulate all citizens of the Republic of Moldova as you celebrate 35 years of independence. This milestone is a testament to your nation’s resilience, determination, and spirit.

Over these 35 years, Moldova has faced complex challenges and went through profound changes. The people of Moldova  have also made a strategic choice— to anchor the country’s future in peace, democracy and prosperity, as part of the European Union. And the European Union is committed to helping make that choice a reality.

In June 2022, the European Union granted Moldova candidate status—a historic decision that recognised reforms efforts and commitment to European values. Since then, Moldova’s progress, despite immense geopolitical pressures, has been nothing short of inspiring.

The EU is not just a geographical space or an economic project. It is a community of values, security and solidarity. And Moldova has shown that it belongs in that community.

On this occasion, I would like to address the citizens of the Republic of Moldova: Your aspiration for a better life—free from corruption, free from external coercion, and full of opportunity—is exactly what the European Union stands for. As you celebrate today, know that you are not alone. The EU is your partner, your ally, and your future home.



MOLDPRES: Accession negotiations have entered a substantive phase, and the Republic of Moldova already has two clusters open. How do you assess the pace of the negotiations? How many clusters does Brussels estimate could be opened by the end of this year, and what does the Republic of Moldova need to do to maintain this pace?

Iwona Piórko: Moldova has moved from opening accession negotiations to completing the screening process, and now opening two clusters in a remarkably short period of time. All of this is a recognition of the hard work and real progress Moldova has made.

The European Commission’s assessment is clear: the remaining clusters are also ready to be opened.  The next step is for Member States to take the necessary decisions, and I can assure you that this will remain high on the EU agenda in the coming months.

In the meantime, no time is lost. Technical work continues at full speed.  We are working closely with the Government across all clusters, monitoring and supporting accession-related reforms and preparing Moldova for the next steps.

The Growth Plan and the Reform Agenda provide both the roadmap and the resources to accelerate this work. These reforms are about building a stronger, more prosperous Moldova — and improving people’s lives.

So, the message is clear: keep the political determination, keep delivering reforms, and keep the momentum. Ultimately, this will be what defines the pace of accession. The EU will be there as a reliable partner all the way to membership.



MOLDPRES: Is there a perception in Brussels that, in the current geopolitical context, the Republic of Moldova’s European integration is no longer merely a foreign policy choice, but a prerequisite for the state’s security and survival? In other words, to what extent is the EU today prepared to invest politically, economically and in the security of the Republic of Moldova so that the country can withstand external pressures and see its European journey through to the end?

Iwona Piórko: I would put it very simply: Moldova’s security is our common European security.

Your country’s resilience and resolve have been remarkable. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has faced massive economic shocks, energy blackmail, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, illicit political financing, and attempts at destabilization and electoral interference.

But Moldova stood firm. It remained democratic and stable, and stayed committed to reforms to build a state that delivers for its citizens — a state that Moldovans themselves want and deserve.

And Moldova is not facing these challenges alone. The EU and Member States have been providing support to strengthen resilience. We are supporting Moldova’s energy security, economic development, cybersecurity and capacity to withstand hybrid threats.

And through the Growth Plan, we are investing in the foundations of a stronger economy and a better quality of life. Because resilience is not only about withstanding pressure. It is also about belief in the future.

The Republic of Moldova on August 27 marks 35 years since the proclamation of its independence. Having broken away from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country has covered a complex path toward state’s consolidation and closer ties with the European Union. In June 2022, the Republic of Moldova was granted EU candidate status and is currently conducting accession negotiations.



The Moldovan authorities have set the goal for the Republic of Moldova to become a full member of the European Union by 2030—a process that entails continuing reforms and meeting accession criteria.