Ministers and secretaries for European affairs from Austria, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania convened a meeting today to discuss the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, Radio Chisinau reported.
The event was attended by President Maia Sandu and Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu, and the discussion revolved around the benefits and challenges of Moldova joining the EU, as well as the progress made since the application for European accession was submitted one year ago, and the country’s priorities for 2023.
According to Radio Chisinau, President Sandu expressed her confidence that European integration is Moldova’s only chance to survive as a democracy and become a member state of the EU, which she views as a project of peace, prosperity, and democracy.
“With the support of our friends from the EU member states, we will manage to put Moldova under shelter. Because the EU is primarily a project of peace, democracy, and prosperity. On the way to European integration, we still have a lot to do, we are realistic, but at the same time, we are also optimistic. European integration is our only chance to survive as a democracy. I am sure that with the help of the member states, we will be able to speed up the process and bring this day closer when Rep. Moldova will be part of the great European family, which will provide us with safety, well-being, and freedom,” said Maia Sandu.
Ana Luhrmann, of the Foreign Ministry of Germany, stated that the top priority now is to enable Moldova to kick off negotiations for accession to the European Union as quickly as possible.
“We don’t just focus on democracy per se, because that is actually a dream. The dream of freedom, prosperity, and peace. As members of the European Union, we stand in solidarity with Moldova in its efforts to travel the road to the EU. We really are a family,” said Luhrmann.
Karoline Edstadler, minister for the EU and the Constitution at the Austrian Chancellery, believes that Moldova is working step by step to fulfill all the requirements that have been presented for accession. At the same time, the minister mentioned that for Moldova, joining the EU is a matter of survival.
“This process is absolutely necessary and Moldova is already in the process of working. Once you promise, you must deliver, and we will support you in these efforts, we really want to see you in the European family. It’s a very complicated and long road, but we will be here not only on women’s day but all day, all months, and all years, no matter how long this accession process takes,” said Karoline Edstadler.
The eight European officials conveyed a powerful message of solidarity and political backing for the Government’s ambitious agenda, reaffirming their belief that Moldova belongs in the broader European community.
