VIDEO // Baltic solidarity for Moldova: “Stay on path of reforms, European integration is possible”

The Baltic States reaffirm their strong support for the European integration of  Moldova. Gathered in Chișinău for a joint conference, the speakers of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania sent messages of solidarity and encouragement to the leadership and citizens of our country.

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu emphasized that “the Baltic states are not just partners, but a benchmark and an example of courage and consistency.” President of the Riigikogu of Estonia Lauri Hussar said: “Stay on the path of reforms, European integration is possible.” Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa noted that “Moldova is part of the European family,” while Juozas Olekas recalled the historical ties and advocated for parliamentary cooperation and EU enlargement.

Igor Grosu: “The Baltic states are not just partners, but a benchmark and an example of courage and consistency”

“For Moldova, the Baltic states are not just partners, but a benchmark and an example of courage and consistency. Whenever we talk about accession to the European Union, we naturally look to you, because you know what it means to leave a grey area of history, to break dependencies, to reform institutions and to choose freedom decisively,” said Igor Grosu.

The speaker underlined that transformation was possible when there is political will and citizens’ trust, and that Moldova is firmly committed to the European path:

“Today, we no longer talk about if, but about when. And this when depends on our work, our internal unity and the support of our European friends. Moldova is firmly committed to the European path and we proved this, including at the parliamentary elections from September 2025, when citizens clearly reconfirmed this direction.”

Grosu highlighted the practical cooperation with the Baltic states, mentioning concrete projects:

- Estonia is the main partner in the digitalization of public services and will open an embassy in Chisinau in the second half of this year.

- Latvia contributes to training a new generation of civil servants through training programmes in European law and economics.

- Lithuania supports the Moldova in the field of renewable energy through projects for installing solar panels in schools, hospitals and kindergartens.

“These projects mean greater energy independence and lower costs for public institutions,” Grosu noted.

In conclusion, the parliament speaker stressed that European integration was, first and foremost, a national project, based on European values and identity:

“European integration is not just an economic or political project. It is, first and foremost, a national project. Because Moldovans are Europeans, as shown both by our history and by our daily actions. And in achieving this project, we are fortunate to have true friends and partners by our side.”

Lauri Hussar: “Stay on the path of reforms, European integration is possible”

President of the Riigikogu of Estonia Lauri Hussar today delivered a strong message of support for the European path of Moldova, during the official visit of the heads of the Baltic legislatures.

“I am very happy to say that we are here, in Moldova and, therefore, everything you have already undertaken to accelerate the process of European integration is extraordinary. I want to encourage you to stay on the path of reforms, to take further steps with a serious approach, because this brings you even closer to your main goal: to become full members of the European Union,” the Estonian official said.

Hussar also highlighted the importance of opening Estonia’s embassy in Chisinau as a signal of the close cooperation between the two states:

“As you said, we will open an embassy here, in Moldova. This is a clear signal that we have very serious and practical cooperation on the process of European integration. The more countries open embassies here, the more real the prospects of integration become.”

President of the Estonian Parliament also emphasized the role of digitalization in the integration process:

“Our cooperation in building a digital society is extremely important. By developing this digital society, you will have more transparent institutions and the negotiation process will be easier. I encourage you to digitize the entire country, because this will help you greatly on the path of European integration.”

Hussar concluded by expressing Estonia’s appreciation for Moldova’s efforts and encouraging the continuation of reforms:

“Thank you once again and I urge you to firmly continue this European path.”

Daiga Mieriņa: “Moldova is part of the European family”

Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa sent a strong message of support for Moldova during the official visit of the heads of the Baltic parliaments. The official underlined Latvia’s commitment to support Moldova in the process of institutional consolidation and European integration.

“Latvia is ready to continue training civil servants, to cover these institutional capacity needs. You have already shown that you are able to win in the fight against the aggressor through the results of the recent elections. I want to thank you for proving that it is possible to win through democratic means.”

The speaker of the Saeima also noted the excellent cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries:

“We are pleased to see that the new legislature has created an inter-parliamentary friendship group, chaired by Mrs. Belous. We are glad that we can have this cooperation between our parliaments.”

In the field of security and defense, the Latvian official highlighted Moldova’s efforts and Latvia’s commitment to continue its support:

“We discussed defense aspects and security today. We are pleased to hear that you have doubled the defense budget in your country. We have the same trend in our countries. We have already allocated 5 per cent of our country’s GDP to defense capabilities. Each euro invested in national defense makes all of us stronger against the aggressor.”

The speaker of the Saeima reaffirmed Latvia’s support for the European integration of Moldova:

“Moldova is part of the European family; we see you as an integral part of Europe. We want to continue working together and help you integrate as soon as possible.”

Juozas Olekas: “Moldova was our first ally in the fight for freedom and European integration”

Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Juozas Olekas delivered a message of appreciation and strong support for Moldova during the official visit of the heads of the Baltic parliaments to Chișinău.

“When we come to Moldova, first of all, we express our gratitude for the decision of the Moldovan Parliament in 1990 to recognize Lithuania’s independence. Moldova was the first country to recognize our independence, although it was part of the Soviet Union at that time.”

Olekas recalled the historical relations and Baltic-Moldovan solidarity, underlining the European path of Moldova:

“Colleagues from Moldova have been our allies since the very beginning of the national liberation movement in Lithuania. Today, together with the other Baltic speakers, we have come to congratulate you on the wonderful decision you made by voting in the referendum on European integration and in the recent parliamentary elections. The process of European integration is impressive; we see the ambition of Moldovans to implement reforms.”

The speaker of the Seimas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Moldova’s European integration and for strengthening parliamentary cooperation:

“This is a unique opportunity for your country in a unique geopolitical context. We want to fully support your case. In 2027, Lithuania will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the enlargement of the European Union will be at the top of our agenda. We will focus on strengthening defense, security and social security. Parliaments also play a very important role in the EU enlargement process. Stronger cooperation between governments and parliaments is needed.”

Olekas concluded by highlighting the constant support of Lithuanian institutions and NGOs for Moldova:

“I take this opportunity to thank you for the close relations between Moldova and Lithuania at all levels – president, speaker of parliament, prime minister, ministers. Many Lithuanian institutions and NGOs are also involved in supporting Moldova. Thank you.”

On February 3, starting from 10:30, the speakers of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will deliver speeches at a solemn meeting of the Moldovan parliament, which will inaugurate the spring session. The agenda also includes meetings with the leaders of parliamentary factions.

The agenda of the official visit further includes meetings with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri.

In addition, the speakers of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will pay a visit to Calarasi, along with the Moldovan parliament speaker. The officials will meet representatives of local public authorities, the business community and citizens. They will also visit the Calarasi Business Incubator, a project supported by the European Union.

President of the Riigikogu of Estonia Lauri Hussar, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa and Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Juozas Olekas will visit Moldova at an invitation by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.

The official visit of the speakers of the Baltic parliaments is part of the efforts to strengthen parliamentary dialogue between Moldova and the Baltic States, as well as to reaffirm support for the country’s European path.