President at Moldova–European Union Investment Conference: More and more friends from EU want to contribute to our country’s economic success

The European path of the Republic of Moldova means investments, jobs, and a future here at home. More and more private investors, development banks, and friends from the European Union want to contribute to the country’s economic success. Our daily work is to turn Moldova’s European path into real opportunities for people, so that all Moldovans can enjoy peace, security, and prosperity at home, within the European family. This was the message delivered today by President Maia Sandu at the first Republic of Moldova – European Union Investment Conference, held in Chișinău, with the participation of European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

In her speech, Maia Sandu noted that the presence of investors and partners of our country at this event sends a clear message – Moldova is a country that the world now regards with greater confidence and interest.

“Moldova is changing, and this change creates opportunities. A few years ago, not many believed in us. We were considered too small, too vulnerable, and too close to the war. We were told that our European choice would not withstand pressure. It did withstand it, because we remained faithful to this option. When others tried to buy our elections, to flood our country with dirty money and lies, to turn people against their own future, we held our ground. And Moldovans chose Europe – freely, clearly, and in spite of all pressures and obstacles. We confronted corruption that once seemed untouchable. Those who believed they were above the law have understood that this is not the case and that no one ever will be. Our financial sector, which was once plundered, has regained its integrity, and we are aligning it with European standards. We are reforming all areas of life at a pace that few thought possible. The European Union calls Moldova the best pupil in the class – the candidate country advancing the fastest. Behind this pace lies our commitment. We said we would do what is necessary, and that is exactly what we are doing,” Maia Sandu said.

The head of state stressed that our country’s European path is more solid than ever, with the support of all 27 member states.

“When you invest in Moldova, you invest in a country whose future is anchored in Europe, in a country whose rules are increasingly becoming European rules – in the fields of competition, fair treatment, and the protection that any serious investor expects. As we align our legislation and institutions with the largest single market in the world, we invite you to look at the direction in which Moldova is heading, to come early, and to take this road together with us. Many have already made this journey. Country after country has joined the European Union – small economies, recovering economies, economies that others underestimated. They opened up to Europe, carried out reforms, and European investments followed. In a single generation they were transformed: incomes increased, industries developed, and people who once left abroad to find work discovered their future at home. This is a model that has been repeated across our continent and it is the same model that Moldova is living today. Those who invested early in these countries did not regret it,” the official said.

Maia Sandu said that European investments in the Republic of Moldova have increased by almost 30 percent over the past four years, which demonstrates that the European Union is opening its market to our country.

“The EU is the largest investor in the transformation of our country. The European Union’s Growth Plan, worth nearly two billion euros, will materialize in roads, energy infrastructure, and modern industry. It rewards reforms through access to financing and directs funds to concrete projects that are already being implemented, in sectors where Moldova can truly compete: agribusiness, where we have always been strong; information technology, which already brings about one billion euros annually to our economy; renewable energy; advanced manufacturing; and regional logistics, made possible by our geographical position. These are opportunities available today for partners who have the ambition to seize them,” she noted.

The official referred to the transformations the Republic of Moldova has undergone in the energy sector.

“Four years ago, Moldova was entirely dependent on a single supplier for natural gas and electricity. This dependence was used against us, and we put an end to it – something that no government dared to do for three decades. We diversified our sources of supply. We connected our electricity grid to Europe. We increased the share of renewable energy from 3 to 25 percent of our domestic electricity mix. We achieved all this in the middle of a crisis and with a war at our border. We are turning our greatest vulnerability into a source of strength. Today, energy prices are high again, this time because of the conflict in the Middle East. But we know what we have to do and we are acting accordingly – we are investing in domestic energy production, in storage capacity, in grids, and in energy efficiency,” Maia Sandu emphasized.

The President also stressed that today’s Moldova is defined by its commitment to defend democracy, to respect the rule of law, to join the European Union, and to remain part of the free world.

“The same commitment underpins our ambition to turn Moldova into one of the most business-friendly countries in Europe. We are reducing bureaucracy and supporting investments through concrete measures, including state aid for companies that build and produce here. We are developing industrial parks where activity can start quickly, opening access to the European single market, where you can produce in Moldova and sell to 450 million consumers. Once the reconstruction of Ukraine begins, Moldova will naturally become a regional hub for logistics, services, industry, and energy. Thus, when you invest here, you invest in the future of the entire European region. And my commitment to you is that you will not walk this path in Moldova alone,” the official said.

The head of state gave assurances that the Government in Chișinău will stand by investors to remove bureaucratic barriers and solve problems before they become obstacles. “We are a small country. And this means that we must try harder, move faster, and work more than anyone else to earn your trust. That is exactly what we are doing. People ask me what guarantees Moldova can offer an investor. My answer is simple: our results. We move quickly. We keep our commitments. We have proven this in the most difficult conditions that a small country can face. And we will prove it to you as well – be part of Moldova’s story,” she added.

Maia Sandu emphasized that for citizens and for domestic companies, the European path means investments, jobs, and a future here at home.

“Today we welcome in Chișinău more and more private investors, development banks, and friends from the European Union who want to contribute to Moldova’s economic success. Our daily work is to turn Moldova’s European path into real opportunities for people, so that all Moldovans can enjoy peace, security, and prosperity at home, in the European family,” Maia Sandu concluded.

Chișinău is today hosting the first Republic of Moldova – European Union Investment Conference. The event is dedicated to investment opportunities in our country and to its role in driving growth within the European economic area. It brings together political decision-makers, European institutions, financial organizations, investors, business leaders, and experts from various sectors.