European Town inaugurated on Great National Assembly Square of Chisinau on Europe Day – celebration of peace, unity, diversity

The European Towne today was inaugurated on the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN) of the capital. EU member states will share their history, cultural traditions and cuisine here. The celebration will culminate in the evening with a concert featuring artists from Moldova and Romania.

Attending the opening event were: Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, EU Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piórko and the ambassadors of European states. The ceremony started with the national anthems of Moldova and the European Union.

In his speech, Speaker Igor Grosu emphasized that, thanks to the support of the European Union member states, Moldova had come to be respected, valued and supported every day.

“Today, we once again realize how precious, fragile and important peace is. Many years ago, Europe went through a tragedy. Millions of people lost their lives to bring peace to the European continent. Unfortunately, today a country that also paid a very high price for that victory has not learned the lesson. Russia has launched the war in Ukraine. I am sure that Ukraine will stand, because it is fighting not only for itself, but for all of us, for the whole of Europe. After the Second World War, the visionary leaders of that time, among them Robert Schuman, came up with an initiative that turned into the project we now call the European Union. They understood one thing: European countries can survive as a civilization only within a project of peace. Thus, on 9 May 1950, the first brick of the EU was laid. This is the project we aspire to and want to be part of, because Moldovans are Europeans; we have proven this, and in the very near future we will be Europeans with full legal status. Happy Europe Day, Moldova! Happy Europe Day, Europe!”, said Igor Grosu.

For is part, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu welcomed the guests of the European Town, who gathered on PMAN in a festive atmosphere. The official noted that the citizens of Moldova believe in the future, in peace and in a country that is moving towards the European Union.

“Today, we mark Europe Day together with our partners, alongside whom Moldova has gone through difficult years, but also through important transformations. For us, Europe is not just a political direction. It has become part of our everyday life. We are very different, but there are essential things that unite all Europeans: respect for freedom, for work and everyone’s right to live in safety and with dignity in their own country. We choose the European path not because it is easy, but because it is right. We want to build here, at home, a strong, modern state, capable of offering people confidence in future. Today, Moldova is closer than ever to the European Union, and this is due to the citizens who had confidence, moved forward and did not give up believing in a European future for our country. I want to say very clearly: the future of Moldova is European! Happy Europe Day! Happy Europe Day to Moldova – prosperous, strong and European!”, said Alexandru Munteanu.

The EU Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piórko pointed out that Europe Day did not belong to institutions, but to people, because Europe is not just a place on the map, but a choice – for peace, for freedom and for a better future.

“Here in Moldova, the choice is clear. You have chosen democracy over fear, reform over stagnation and hope over uncertainty. Real change is never easy. It requires time, effort and determination and progress often comes step by step, sometimes even more slowly than we would like. We know that the journey of Moldova has been not only difficult, but also subject to tests. These are tests generated by constant external pressures, on behalf of those who do not want to see Moldova succeed. Yet, the country has remained steadfast. The European Union has stood by you as a partner and family, not only through words, but through concrete actions, every day. Today is a celebration of peace, unity and diversity. But it is also a moment of reflection, a moment in which we recognize how far you have come. I want us to enjoy this day together, to celebrate your achievements and to look ahead with confidence, because the future of Moldova is being built day by day and lies within our common European family. On Europe Day, we proudly say: Europe is me; Europe is you; Europe is Moldova!”, said Iwona Piórko.

Europe Day was celebrated for the first time in Moldova in 2010, with the aim of consolidating the common values of the European states and marking the European identity of Moldovan culture through cultural and entertainment activities.

Since 2011, Europe Day has also been celebrated in more localities across the country, with the goal of informing citizens of all regions about the values of the European Union, as well as about the benefits offered by integration into the European community. All these activities bring the citizens of Moldova closer to the customs and traditions of the EU member states.