Portugal supports Moldova's EU membership aspirations

The Republic of Moldova has made significant progress on its European path, and the initiated reforms need to continue to bring tangible benefits to its citizens. This statement was made in Chisinau by Portugal's Secretary of State for European Affairs Ines Domingos, who noted that Portugal supports Moldova in its aspirations to become a member state of the European Union.


'I reiterate Portugal's support for the expansion of the European Union and Moldova's accession. Portugal wants to support Moldova in your aspirations to become a member state of the European Union. We offer you very strong support,' declared Ines Domingos during a press conference held in Chisinau alongside Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov.


The Secretary of State for European Affairs of Portugal highlighted the progress achieved by Moldova in the process of EU accession and encouraged the authorities in Chisinau to continue the reforms.


'Moldova's path to European integration has been exceptional, both for the work done by the government and the work done by the citizens. Now you can see how things have changed and have changed significantly. I think this is a great success in this regard. Regarding institutional reform, it is important to continue these reforms, as they do not happen overnight or consolidate overnight. It is important to be persistent and patient in realizing this reform. Sometimes you will progress slowly, sometimes steps will be taken back, but it is important to keep your eyes on the horizon regarding institutional reform and move forward in its implementation,' emphasized the Portuguese official.


Ines Domingos cited the transformations Portugal underwent in the 30 years since it became an EU member state, noting that this path allowed her country to consolidate its democracy and achieve robust economic growth.

Cristina Gherasimov said she discussed with Ines Domingos how Moldova can draw from Portugal's expertise and experience in the European accession process.


'We had good discussions about the latest developments on our European agenda, including the conclusions of the Enlargement Report and the steps to take in the coming months. (…) We also analyzed how Moldova could draw from Portugal's experience and expertise, which went through this process many years ago, but today shows performances from which we can also learn,' stated Cristina Gherasimov.


According to her, the discussions also addressed the security situation in the region. 'We reiterated that Moldova's accession to the EU is part of Europe's strategic response to the current regional challenges, an objective that strengthens continental security and supports stability and protects democracy,' emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration.

Furthermore, Cristina Gherasimov thanked Portugal for its support in Moldova's European path.


'I assure you that we will continue as a country, as a government, to work even more diligently to achieve the final goal of joining the European Union, which for Moldova means a realm of peace, prosperity, and development, where both freedom and democracy and solidarity between states are values that unite us and make us stronger,' concluded Cristina Gherasimov.


 Ines Domingos is on a visit to the Republic of Moldova.