PHOTO // Lithuanian President: Accession of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to EU by 2030 - strategic objective of country

The accession of Moldova and Ukraine to the European Union by 2030 is a strategic objective of Lithuania. We welcome the progress made by Moldova in implementing reforms, despite truly difficult circumstances. We encourage you to continue and accelerate the reforms needed in the EU integration process so that their benefits are felt by society. The message was conveyed by President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, during a joint press conference with head of state Maia Sandu in Vilnius.

The Lithuanian official underlined that justice reform and the fight against corruption are essential elements in the accession negotiations with the European Union.

“In the integration process, Lithuania supports Moldova’s efforts to make full use of the opportunities offered by the EU–Moldova Free Trade Agreement. We also welcome the country’s accession to the SEPA payment system and its inclusion in the EU system of free mobile roaming. We want to continue cooperation in the process of implementing reforms, as tools for accelerating Moldova’s path towards integration into the European Union,” stated Gitanas Nausėda.

The President of Lithuania also reaffirmed his commitment to helping Moldova counter the unprecedented attacks coming from Russia.

“We are ready to share our experience in the information technology and communications sectors, especially in the field of electricity governance and cyber security. The support provided to Moldova has already reached the amount of half a million euros and continues to grow. We remain firmly committed to sharing our experience in implementing bilateral cooperation projects in areas such as law enforcement, border management and strengthening institutional capacities,” specified Gitanas Nausėda.

For her part, President Maia Sandu stressed that she is honored to be in Vilnius on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of Lithuania’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, proclaimed on 11 March 1990.

“The Republic of Moldova was the first country to recognize Lithuania’s independence. In 1990, Lithuania dared to declare its independence, and Moldova had the courage to recognize this independence before we ourselves became independent. This is the foundation of everything we have achieved together – a long-term partnership in the fields of defense and security. This partnership continues to grow. Lithuania is strengthening our democracy, and Moldova is one of its development cooperation partners. Lithuania is helping the Republic of Moldova to strengthen its army, bolster its cyber resilience and combat information manipulation. In the reality in which we live, this is very important. In Brussels, in the European Council and in all the institutions where our accession to the European Union is discussed, Lithuania supports us and we are grateful for this,” said Maia Sandu.

Maia Sandu also noted that Lithuanian investors were the first to harness the economic potential of our country – a practical expression of confidence in the reforms carried out by the Government in Chișinău.

“Starting in May, there will be a direct flight between Chișinău and Vilnius. This is a symbol of how close our countries are to one another. We want more Lithuanian companies to discover Moldova. Investment opportunities are real, the business environment is improving, and the EU accession process is creating new conditions for growth,” said Maia Sandu.

She pointed out that the Republic of Moldova is following in Lithuania’s footsteps on the road to the European Union, and along this path the country is undergoing an extensive process of reforms in key sectors.

“In 1990 you chose independence, and in 2004 you joined the European Union. This is the result of long-term work. We will follow the same path, but the world around us has changed. Lithuania started its journey in peace, at a time when many believed that democracy had triumphed in Europe. We, however, are walking this path in a world of shadows, in a darker world. Our citizens know this and are asking us to move faster. We rid ourselves of dependence on Russian gas in three years. Previous governments failed to do this in 30 years. We are fighting corruption, reforming the judicial system and reforming all areas of society. We are contributing to Europe’s security and sending our peacekeepers and firefighters to partner countries,” the official emphasized.

Referring to the war in the neighboring country, Maia Sandu stated that Ukraine must win, not just hold the line at the front. “The courage shown by Ukrainians in defending their state and the security of the entire continent deserves our support – through weapons, resources and political will. We must concentrate our efforts. Moldova is fully determined to take the necessary actions to contribute to this objective. Moldova’s resources may indeed be modest, but our voice is strong. We will always support Ukraine everywhere – in all institutions, at every table, in every format – because we know from our own experience and from the experience of Ukrainian families who have come to us that this is not someone else’s war,” Maia Sandu concluded.

During her official visit to Vilnius, Maia Sandu awarded the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, the Order of the Republic. The distinction is granted as a sign of high appreciation for his outstanding contribution to the development and strengthening of Moldovan–Lithuanian relations of friendship and good cooperation, as well as for his full support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova.

Maia Sandu is paying an official visit to Vilnius on 10–11 March this year, at the invitation of President Gitanas Nausėda. The visit takes place on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence from the Soviet Union, proclaimed on 11 March 1990 – an act that Moldova was the first country to recognize. On this occasion, the head of state will deliver a speech in the plenary of the Vilnius Parliament during a solemn session.

The visit agenda includes meetings with Lithuanian counterpart, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and Speaker Juozas Olekas. The discussions will focus on the European path of the Republic of Moldova, strengthening security and resilience in the region, continued support for Ukraine, as well as bilateral cooperation, including investment opportunities for Lithuanian companies in our country.