VIDEO // Deputy Prime Minister at Ministerial Session of Committee of Ministers of Council of Europe: Path towards EU - road we follow with determination and hope

The European path of the Republic of Moldova represents an inspiration for peace, security, democratic consolidation, and respect for human rights. This is the road we follow with determination and hope. In this context, we value the long-term strategic partnership between the EU and the Council of Europe, two complementary projects united by the same mission: protecting common values and promoting peace and prosperity throughout Europe. This message was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi at the opening of the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held today in Chișinău.

The head of Moldovan diplomacy emphasized that the Republic of Moldova is a young nation that, through experience, has learned the importance of democracy and freedom. Thus, according to the official, our society has faced enormous challenges, from external pressure to the consequences of hybrid attacks.

“In these difficult circumstances, we remain committed to the European Union. Our response has been based on transparency, coordination, and civic resilience. For small states like Moldova, EU membership is not only a model of prosperity and development, but also a guarantee of security. We are a short distance from the border with Ukraine, the country facing aggression from Russia. For this reason, we are extremely proud that this session is taking place here, in Chișinău, in the spirit of European unity, responsibility, and solidarity,” said Mihai Popșoi.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that, from the very beginning, the Council of Europe has been a shield for human rights, the rule of law, and democracy.

“Today, these principles are under pressure, but we cannot defend them independently. I am certain that democracy will survive even the highest pressures, yet democracies cannot be defended in isolation. The Committee of Ministers has clearly stated that peace in Europe must be based on accountability. It continues its work with determination to build an architecture that will put an end to the war of aggression against Ukraine,” the official noted.

Mihai Popșoi pointed out that Russia’s aggression is based not only on conventional and military forces, but also on an invisible, cognitive war through interference and information manipulation.

“These information campaigns and systematic attempts to weaken democratic resilience are just as dangerous. My country’s experience clearly demonstrates how sophisticated and how real these threats are. Such operations aim to undermine public trust in the media, in democratic institutions, and in democratic policies. Now is the time to protect ourselves from hostile influences. This means strengthening our democracies. The more resilient democratic institutions are, the more vibrant our democratic life will be. In this regard, the new Democratic Pact for Europe, initiated by the Secretary General, will contribute to strengthening democratic security,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The official also spoke about the importance of investing in social policies for the development of resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies, and mentioned that social rights have been one of the central priorities of the Moldovan Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Mihai Popșoi highlighted the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as the importance of protecting common values, peace, stability, and prosperity.

“We must not allow division and aggression to shape the future of our continent. On the contrary, we must choose to build a stronger, more united Europe, more faithful to its founding values,” Mihai Popșoi concluded.

The meeting marks the end of the Moldovan Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held between 14 November 2025 and 15 May 2026, under the motto “For a Europe of peace and resilience.” This is the second mandate held by the Republic of Moldova since joining the Council of Europe, the first being exercised in 2003.