President: Moldova’s accession to EU to be act of strategic coherence for entire Union

Moldova’s accession to the European Union will be an act of strategic coherence for the entire Union, as we are a country with a stable democracy at the eastern border, with direct experience in hybrid warfare, with genuine reforms underway and with the political will to be a reliable partner. The message was conveyed today by President Maia Sandu during a joint press conference with Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

In her speech, the head of state noted that today’s visit, on the eve of Europe Day, has a symbolic significance.


“May 9 reminds us where the European project started: from the decision of generations who chose, after the Second World War, to build a community based on law, cooperation and respect for citizens. It is a project that has brought peace and prosperity to a continent marked by war. We, the people of the Republic of Moldova, our citizens, want to be part of this project of peace, of this community of countries that respect each other, live in mutual understanding, protect and help each other,” said Maia Sandu.


The official stressed that, during the meeting, they discussed the steps on the road towards the European Union, as well as the maintenance of peace and security in the Republic of Moldova and in the region.


“We are working on modernising the state, strengthening institutions and increasing resilience. We continue to invest in energy security, we have diversified gas sources, we are developing renewable energy production capacities so that we can produce more energy at home, depend less on imports and thus be less vulnerable to external shocks. In the field of justice, the evaluation of judges and prosecutors is progressing, and the first results are visible. In Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, we have climbed 25 positions in the last five years. We are ranked 31st in the Press Freedom Index, the best score among EU candidate countries. This result comes in a context in which Moldova has faced the most intense wave of disinformation in its history. Our experience shows that press freedom and combating disinformation are not contradictory objectives. On the contrary, they are two complementary dimensions of a healthy democracy. The European Commission recognises these advances, which are all the more significant as they have been achieved despite serious security challenges,” said Maia Sandu.


The President stressed that Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to affect our economy, security and daily life.


“Russian drones violate our airspace, endanger people’s lives, affect the functioning of the energy system, and have recently caused a major water supply crisis in several localities in our country. In this context, the European Union’s support through the European Peace Facility is essential. The 190 million euros allocated to Moldova since 2021 mean equipment, means of transport and a new radar system, which is to be installed in the coming months. The logistical vehicles already purchased were used during the Dniester River pollution crisis to distribute drinking water to the affected citizens. This is a concrete example of how defence equipment can have dual use and can help manage emergency situations in the civilian sphere,” said Maia Sandu.


The head of state also thanked the European official for her personal involvement in increasing financial allocations aimed at strengthening peace and security in our country.


“We count on the continuation of this support in order to build an efficient defence system that will protect our citizens from present and future threats. With every investment in our security capabilities, Moldova becomes a stronger partner for regional stability, for the security of the Union’s eastern border and for the European project as a whole. We are a friendly and reliable neighbour of Ukraine. At the same time, we are experiencing firsthand the effects of Russia’s hybrid war. We know what disinformation, energy sabotage, economic pressure and electoral interference look like. The Republic of Moldova remains firmly committed to the path of reforms and European integration. With the support of the European Union and its member states, as well as with the determination of our citizens, I am convinced that this journey will deliver results for all the citizens of our country. We want a stable, prosperous Moldova, anchored in the European family,” Maia Sandu underlined.


Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas is paying an official visit to Chisinau on 7–8 May. During the visit, the official has held meetings focused on security and defence, including with Minister of Defence Anatolie Nosatîi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi.

The agenda also includes discussions with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, representatives of civil society, as well as participation in EuroQuiz together with young people from across the country.