Ninth meeting of Moldova-EU Association Council ends in Brussels; Kaja Kallas: 'Europe Will Be Alongside Moldova Every Step of the Way'

The ninth meeting of the Moldova-European Union Association Council ended y in Brussels today. At the end, European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that "Europe will be alongside Moldova every step of the way" and reiterated a "strong commitment to support the reform process and the country's European integration path."

Kaja Kallas emphasized that the meeting had been fruitful and that the partnership between the European Union and Moldova was beneficial for both sides.

"The economic growth plan, valued at 1.9 billion euros, and the support provided through the European Peace Facility, will help Moldova strengthen its security and defense institutions. We provided 200 million euros for defense and modernizing the armed forces. At the same time, the growth plan supports infrastructure modernization and connectivity, as well as transforming the national economy," said Kaja Kallas.

The European official noted that, during the war in Ukraine, Russia had repeatedly violated Moldova's airspace, and the parliamentary elections would be a new target of the Russian hybrid war.

"Money and content will be used to manipulate Moldova's future. To combat foreign interference, expert teams will help counter illicit funding. Rest assured, you can rely on European support," stated Kaja Kallas.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy reiterated that Moldova had made significant progress on its path to EU accession.

"I mean the combating of corruption, judiciary reform, and strengthening democracy. Continuing reforms are essential. The path is clear – Moldova's place is within the European Union. The summit, which will take place exactly a month from now, will bring new progress to improve citizens' lives," noted Kaja Kallas.

For his part, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that the country's accession to the European Union was already underway and this was Moldova's new normality.

"We have recently met in Chisinau; now we meet again in Brussels. The fact that these meetings have become routine shows that our relationship has surpassed the symbolic stage, when EU accession was merely a dream, and has entered a phase of execution, of daily work. Since our last meeting, Moldova has taken concrete and courageous steps on the path of European integration. We have overcome unprecedented challenges – from foreign interference aiming to trigger a humanitarian crisis to destabilization attempts," said Dorin Recean.

According to the official, Moldovans have already shown that they are Europeans and that their choice is a future within the European Union.

"Our goal is quite clear: to open all negotiation chapters by the end of the year. To achieve this, we approved last week, at the government, the National Accession Program – a medium-term plan with reforms that we have already started and on which teams from ministries, agencies, local public administration and civil society organizations are working. Alone, it would take us half a century to accomplish what we will do in the next few years. Alongside the EU, we have opportunity to achieve things much faster and to bridge the development gap between Moldova and EU states," Dorin Recean also said.

For her part, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed confidence that Moldova would become a European Union member and that the generous support on behalf of the EU was a response to the choice made by Moldovans at the 2024 referendum.

"All support actions represent the EU's response to the Moldovan people's choice for Europe. Last year, you made the historic decision to establish and enshrine this goal of European accession in the Constitution, to combat foreign interference and disinformation campaigns from Russia, against the democratic vote. Yes, Moldova will be a member of the European Union, and you are already treated as part of our family. You can count on us, we will accompany and support you every step of the way," added the official.

Kos reiterated that she looked forward to continuing cooperation with Moldova to prepare its place in the European Union as an equal, respected member, in peace, security and prosperity.

"In September, the people of Moldova will vote again for their future. At that time, Moldova will be able to rely on us to ensure free and fair elections, protect cyberspace, provide necessary tools to combat Russian propaganda and support independent media and journalists," specified Marta Kos.

At the same time, the commissioner urged the Moldovan authorities to maintain the pace of reforms, recalling, in this context, the bet made with Prime Minister Dorin Recean in Chisinau on 9 May.

"I have often said that Moldova is the best student in the entire class. Mr. Prime Minister, we made a public bet in Chisinau. Let's stick to it, maintain the pace of reforms, despite all challenges. I know Moldova can do it!" added Marta Kos.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean is on a visit to Brussels on June 3-4, where the ninth meeting of the Moldova-European Union Association Council took place. The participants in the event analyzed the progress of Moldova on the path to European Union accession and the achievements since the last Council meeting.

The discussions focused on the reform agenda, with emphasis on justice reform, the fight against corruption, strengthening democracy and security. Economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, was also analyzed.