PHOTO // President in Riga: European Moldova cannot be destabilized and cannot be used as pressure point against continent

Europe will be stronger and safer with the Republic of Moldova by its side. A stable, European Moldova cannot be destabilized and cannot be used as a pressure point against the continent. We rely on Latvia’s voice – in Brussels, in the European Council, in every room where our country’s accession to the European Union is discussed. President Maia Sandu made the statement at a joint press conference with her Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkēvičs, in Riga.

The head of state emphasized that despite attempts at destabilization, Moldova is continuing the process of implementing reforms in order to become part of the European Union.

“On our road to the EU, Moldova, inspired by Latvia’s path, is working hard. We are doing our homework, strengthening our institutions, reforming the judicial system, fighting corruption, and aligning our legislation with European standards. The European Commission says we are the candidate country with the best performance. We are doing all this in more difficult conditions than those faced by Latvia more than two decades ago. There is a war at our border. There is a sustained campaign to destabilize our democracy. And yet, our citizens have voted three times in two years, under enormous pressure, and three times they have chosen Europe,” Maia Sandu said.

The official underlined that a Moldova anchored in the EU strengthens the entire western flank of Ukraine and the security of the region.

“Moldova has something to offer. We are not only asking to be protected – we are contributing in turn. We have spent the last years on the front line of the hybrid war and we share these difficult lessons with anyone facing the same challenges. A Moldova in the EU is not an additional burden – it is an additional capability. I am counting on Latvia’s voice – in Brussels, in the European Council, in every room where this decision is being debated – to support this approach,” the official stressed.

Maia Sandu praised the significant support provided by Latvia to Ukraine and highlighted the contribution of the Republic of Moldova in hosting refugees and offering humanitarian aid.

“Latvia’s support has been extraordinary – among the most generous contributions in the world relative to the size of its economy. Supporting Ukraine is, for us, a matter of survival. Ukraine stands between Moldova and the aggressor, and we owe it enormously. We feel the same obligation. We are sheltering Ukrainians, providing humanitarian aid, training sappers, and making our voice heard in support of Ukraine in every forum. We want to be part of, and to contribute to, the coalition of those willing to help secure Ukraine when the war ends,” Maia Sandu added.

President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs said that his country wants the Republic of Moldova to become a member of the European Union as soon as possible.

“Latvia is and will always be a friend and a firm supporter of Moldova. We are ready to deepen the political and economic cooperation between our countries. We have constant collaboration with the authorities in Chisinau. Ties with Moldova are very strong and include several lines of assistance and development of cooperation programs. We are glad to share our experience, to learn from each other and to achieve results. In 2025, we managed to effectively handle the hybrid challenges and threats coming from Russia. Through various methods, we can prevent and counter such situations. We have the capacity to manage difficult situations in the field of security, in the private sector and the public sector. I want to express my gratitude for the good cooperation and I wish to further strengthen the ties between our countries,” Edgars Rinkēvičs noted.

Head of state Maia Sandu is paying an official visit today to the Republic of Latvia, at the invitation of the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation, with a focus on regional security and the Republic of Moldova’s EU accession process.

The agenda includes meetings with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and the leadership of the Latvian Parliament. Maia Sandu will also deliver a speech in the plenary of the Riga Legislature.