VIDEO //Moldovan president awarded European Order of Merit: “This distinction belongs to the people of Moldova”

President Maia Sandu today was awarded the European Order of Merit, during a ceremony held in the European Parliament. The distinction is granted to personalities who have significantly contributed to promoting European values and strengthening the European project.

Maia Sandu received the Order “for her commitment to decisively leading Moldova on its European path and for advancing the country’s integration into the European Union; for strengthening democratic governance, transparency and the rule of law in her capacity as President of Moldova; for enhancing the resilience of Moldova in the face of hybrid threats, disinformation and attempts at destabilization, thus contributing to a safer and more democratic Europe.”

In her address delivered in the European Parliament, Maia Sandu expressed her gratitude for the honor of being awarded the European Order of Merit. The Moldovan president stressed that the distinction belonged “to the people of Moldova.”

“The receiving of this distinction alongside leaders who have shaped this continent and at this institution, built on the idea that Europeans are stronger together, is an overwhelming moment. But if we are to measure merit, then this distinction belongs to the people of Moldova. They are the ones who have earned it. For three decades, Moldovans have been building their European future, overcoming a difficult economic transition, taking to the streets when democracy was in danger, standing up when oligarchs tried to capture the state, and voting for Europe again and again in the face of Russian threats and blackmail. This is the merit!” Maia Sandu noted.

The head of state also said that the merit of getting this distinction belonged to all the people of Moldova, who are building and who believe in their country despite the challenges. In the context, the President of Moldova called for recognition of the efforts made by the country on its European path and for support in advancing this process.

“It is the merit of the public servants who work tirelessly, in order to align every sphere of public life with European standards. Of the journalists who, despite difficulties, have brought Moldova a place among the countries with a free press. Of the decision-makers and engineers who have broken our energy dependence on Russia and connected us to Europe in less than four years. Of the companies which, over the last decade, have dramatically reoriented their activity towards Europe, so that today two-thirds of our trade is with the European Union. Of the judges and prosecutors who choose to be courageous. Of the police officers who dismantle the networks that destabilize Moldova. Of the teachers, doctors, those who remained and those in the Diaspora who continue to invest in Moldova’s future. All those who build, who believe. This is the merit. We are doing all this while living next to the brutal war waged by Russia. While the Kremlin’s missiles and drones violate our airspace, pollute our waters and affect our energy infrastructure. Moldovans do not give in. This is the merit. That is why, my call to you, to the EU institutions and to the member states of the European Union, is simple: reward this merit. Allow Moldova to advance on its European path,” Maia Sandu said.

The European Order of Merit is a distinction established by the European Parliament on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. It is awarded to public figures who have made a significant contribution to promoting European values and strengthening the European project.