VIDEO // Romania reconfirms support for Moldova's European path

Romania will remain a steadfast supporter of Moldova's European path, providing assistance through expertise, experience gained during its years in the European Union, and through bilateral and European cross-border cooperation formats. This message was delivered today in Chișinău by Romania's Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who is visiting our country.




"I assure you that we will continue to build new bridges, bringing us even closer, as should be the case between sister countries that share a language, history and common values. We are witnessing a key stage in the progress of the Republic of Moldova on its European journey. In this context, Romania will remain a steadfast supporter of Moldova's European path, providing support with our expertise, experience gained during our years in the European Union, and through bilateral and European cross-border cooperation formats", said Ilie Bolojan, who held a press conference together with Prime Minister Dorin Recean.


Romania's Prime Minister said that European solidarity positively changes local communities, regions and entire countries, and this change can also occur here, in Moldova's districts and localities.


"We know what European integration means because since Romania joined the European Union in 2007, we have benefited from 100 billion euros in EU funds and have contributed over 32 billion euros to the EU budget. Every euro invested was seen in Romania's economy, local development, infrastructure and jobs. The results have been felt in the daily lives of Romanians. When Romania joined the European Union, our country's GDP was about 45% of the EU average. Today, nearly two decades after accession, Romania's GDP is approaching 80% of the EU average. This is clear evidence that European solidarity positively changes local communities, regions, and entire countries, and this change can also occur here, in Moldova's districts and localities, from Chișinău to Cahul, from Briceni to Băți, and from Șoldănești to Ungheni and Comrat," the official emphasized.


He said "Moldova is today an example of courage for having resisted pressure, energy blackmail and propaganda accompanied by hybrid aggression."


"In difficult moments that it has faced, the Government in Chișinău made difficult but correct decisions. President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean have shown determination, maintained the state's sovereignty and independence, and gained the respect of their citizens and European partners. It is not an easy path; the Republic of Moldova has had to face the greatest challenges of recent decades, but it has held its head high," said Romania's Prime Minister.


Ilie Bolojan also added that the Republic of Moldova has managed to "secure, through a referendum, its European path, a long-term commitment for future generations."

Romania's Prime Minister mentioned that the two states have multiple ties, shared infrastructure and significant development projects that have been carried out for the benefit of their citizens despite all challenges.


"There is a special and unique bond between our states. We, in this part of the world, are from the same hearth, we are of the same blood. In the last 35 years, we have transformed the barbed wire fence into a space of hope, friendship, and solidarity. Today, Moldovan companies are present in Romania and Romanian companies are investing in the Republic of Moldova. We have multiple connections, shared infrastructure, and important development projects. Despite those who wanted to drive us apart, Romania has built kindergartens, schools and bridges here, equipped hospitals, restored historical monuments and heritage churches. Romania has provided energy resources and supported Moldovan citizens during times of crisis," said Ilie Bolojan.


The official assured that Romania will continue to stand by the Republic of Moldova "regardless of times."


"We will continue to stand by you, regardless of times. Romania respects the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, being the partner of every Moldovan citizen who wishes to live in a prosperous and free state. The European path is the way to a better life and the strengthening of freedoms in this country," concluded Ilie Bolojan.


Recean thanked Romania for the support, noting the successfully implemented bilateral projects in recent years.


"The relationship between the Republic of Moldova and Romania has been built over the years on the connections between people on both banks of the Prut, as it is rooted in our consciousness. It cannot be destroyed by times or politicians, but can be strengthened to ensure our resilience to any foreign challenges and to bring the resolution of citizens' problems as quickly as possible," said Recean.


The official remarked that in recent years, the two states "have supported each other in the face of hardships, foreign interference in elections, and have also celebrated the successes of each other with the same joy. When Moldova or Romania ascends international podiums, when in football Moldova or Romania wins - we share the same emotion of pride," added the Prime Minister.

Dorin Recean emphasized that Romania is supporting Moldova every step on European integration, and the partnership between the governments of the two countries, between companies, theaters and universities is yielding concrete results for people on both banks of the Prut river.


"Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for helping us in our process of becoming energetically independent. We import over 50% of our electricity from Romania at advantageous prices and together we are building interconnection lines vital for our energy security," mentioned Dorin Recean.


According to the official, Chișinău continues to count on "Romania's support in discussions regarding the EU's financial framework, for including our country in European budgetary planning and accessing pre-accession funds as soon as possible."

Among the joint projects carried out by the two states are construction of Vulcănești-Chișinău line in the south and the start of construction of two more lines - Bălți-Suceava in the North and Strășeni-Gutinaș in the Center. Besides Ungheni-Ungheni Bridge, which will be the first permanent road bridge over the Prut built in the last six decades, authorities plan four other new bridges that will make life easier for travelers and freight carriers.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean also noted that authorities have the obligation to reduce waiting times at border points. He gave assurances that an electronic border appointment system would be implemented so that transporters can register online to schedule their exact border crossing time.

Regarding economic relations, Dorin Recean said "a third of our exports are purchased in Romania - from electrical conductors to wheat, furniture, and of course, wines." At the same time, over 1600 companies with Romanian capital provide jobs here, in the Republic of Moldova.


"It is important for all these figures to grow - trade exchanges, the number of jobs created, the number of successful companies opened on both banks of the Prut," said Dorin Recean.


However, the official noted that all joint projects "depend on how we will choose our future."

After the discussions at the government, the two officials will attend the National Treasure Festival 2025 in the village of Horești, Ialoveni district, and meet with residents in the region. The visit agenda, published by Romania's Government, also includes a meeting between Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and President Maia Sandu, scheduled for this afternoon.

This is Ilie Bolojan's first visit to Chișinău after being appointed as Romania's Prime Minister, an event that took place at the end of June.

Ilie Bolojan also paid a visit to Chișinău in early March while he was acting president of Romania.