VIDEO // Moldovan president at EU – Moldova Summit says accession perspective gives country power to make important changes, achieve results

The prospect of joining the European Union gives us the power to make important changes and achieve results. We are doing even more than is being asked of us, taking on truly difficult reforms, in order to be ready for EU integration. President Maia Sandu today made statements to this effect, at the opening of the EU – Moldova Summit, held in Brussels.

The head of state noted that the opening of the first negotiating cluster marked a historic moment for Moldova and provided an opportunity that must be fully seized.

“It is wonderful to return to Brussels, among friends. Last Monday, we opened the first accession negotiation cluster – ‘Fundamental Values’, a moment of real opportunity. Such moments are rare, so we must make the most of them,” Maia Sandu said.

The official highlighted that the prospect of EU accession was driving the reform process, and the Moldovan authorities are assuming major changes, in order to accelerate the country’s European path.

“At home, we are working harder than ever. The accession perspective gives us the power to carry out important changes and to get concrete results. We are doing even more than is being asked of us, taking on truly difficult reforms to be ready for accession. We will earn every step. We are doing our part and we trust that Europe will do its part, keeping pace with our speed and ambition. This is how we will keep this window of opportunity open together. I am grateful for this partnership. Let us make the most of it, both today and in the months to come,” Maia Sandu emphasized.

The Moldova – European Union Summit is a high-level dialogue format established by both sides and reflects the increasingly close partnership between Moldova and the EU, as well as the firm commitment to the country’s accession to the European community bloc. This year’s meeting takes place one week after the official opening of accession negotiations on the first group of chapters – “Fundamental Values”, marking a new stage on the country’s European path. During the summit, leaders will discuss the next steps in the negotiations and  Moldova’s reform agenda.

Both the European Commission and the European Council have confirmed that Moldova was ready to open negotiations on all groups of chapters, as provided for in the merit-based accession process.

The summit's agenda will also include topics related to the regional situation, strengthening cooperation in the fields of security and defence, energy, as well as EU support for the economic development of Moldova.

At the end of the meeting, joint press statements are planned by Maia Sandu, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa.

The Brussels Summit is the second of its kind between Moldova and the European Union. The first high-level meeting took place in Chisinau on July 4, 2025.