President of Latvian Saeima: Moldova - example for other EU candidate countries. First negotiation cluster must be opened immediately

President of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa delivered a speech today in the plenary of the Parliament, in which she reaffirmed Latvia’s firm support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova, praised the democratic resilience of Moldovan citizens, and advocated for the immediate opening of the first EU accession negotiation cluster.

At the beginning of her address, the Latvian official emphasized the symbolic importance of the moment and thanked for the opportunity to speak to Moldovan MPs. Daiga Mieriņa highlighted the role of language as a foundation of national identity and of the future of European states, noting that she was speaking in her mother tongue, one of the official languages of the European Union.

 

Language, identity and cultural resistance

In this context, the President of the Saeima offered an example with powerful symbolic significance, referring to the poem “In your language” by Grigore Vieru, a classic of Moldovan literature. It served as the basis for the song “Vinta Valoda” (“Mother Tongue”), performed by the Latvian rock band Līvi.

According to the official, during the Soviet occupation this song became a symbol of the cultural and linguistic resistance of the Latvian people, representing a form of non-violent opposition to russification policies.

“Language is a value that underpins our states and the future of our nations,” stated Daiga Mieriņa.

Congratulations on the elections and appreciation of democratic resilience

The President of the Saeima congratulated the Parliament and the citizens of the Republic of Moldova on the results of the recent elections, praising the choice made in favor of democracy and European values. She stressed that these results represent an authentic form of resistance of the Moldovan people in the face of external interference.

“This can be seen as real resistance against the constant interference of the aggressor state and its attempts to illegally influence the free will of citizens,” the Latvian official declared, noting that Europe looks with respect and appreciation at this democratic steadfastness.

 

Recognized progress and a call to speed up accession negotiations

Daiga Mieriņa confirmed that the European Union values the steady progress of the Republic of Moldova in implementing the reforms required for European integration, as reflected in the latest European Commission enlargement report.

In this context, the President of the Saeima stated that the Republic of Moldova is an example for other candidate states and called for the immediate opening of the first negotiation cluster, both for Moldova and for Ukraine. According to her, such a step would make a decisive contribution to achieving Chișinău’s objective of completing accession negotiations by 2028.

Concrete support from Latvia

Latvia is ready to continue providing practical support to the Republic of Moldova, including through sharing experience in the process of European integration. Daiga Mieriņa mentioned that, for the third year in a row, staff of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova will take part in intensive courses on EU integration topics, organized by the Latvian Saeima.

“The reform process is not simple. It requires patience and constant efforts to explain things to society. Democracy must be nurtured every day,” the official underlined.

 

What EU membership means in practice: Latvia’s example

In her speech, the President of the Saeima highlighted the tangible benefits of EU membership, citing data from Latvia’s experience:

- the average salary has increased fivefold;

- total exports have increased sixfold;

- exports from the agricultural and food sectors have increased sixteenfold;

- foreign direct investment has increased tenfold;

- approximately 2,000 kilometers of roads have been built with European funds;

- free access to a market of 450 million consumers.

These results demonstrate the real impact of European integration on economic and social development.

 

Cooperation in combating disinformation and democratic security

The President of the Saeima mentioned that Latvia will take into account the experience of the Republic of Moldova in preventing disinformation and external interference in electoral processes, in the context of the parliamentary elections that are to take place in Latvia this year.

She drew attention to the threats posed by information manipulation and interference by the Russian Federation and other hostile actors, emphasizing that the European response will remain firm, including through the consistent application of sanctions.

 

Prospects for economic cooperation

The close political dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and Latvia creates a solid basis for expanding economic cooperation, especially in areas such as information technologies and critical infrastructure. According to the Latvian official, this partnership will reach its full potential once the Republic of Moldova joins the European Union as a full member.

In conclusion, Daiga Mieriņa conveyed a symbolic message of support and solidarity: “We Latvians say: may it live as long as the sun lives. And I would also like to say: may Moldova live as long as the sun lives.”

Parliament today opened the 2026 spring parliamentary session. Plenary meetings of the standing committees are planned for this week.

The President of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia, Lauri Hussar, the President of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, Daiga Mieriņa, and the Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Juozas Olekas are paying a visit to the Republic of Moldova on 2 - 4 February, at the invitation of the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Grosu.