Dmytro Kuleba, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Moldova is an important neighbor of Ukraine, and it would probably not be an exaggeration to say that, due to the internal risks of destabilization and the Russian aggression against Ukraine, it is now in an area of imminent danger. Therefore, it is natural that Moldova sees its future within the European Union as this is a regional model of stability and opportunities for economic development.

The road to European integration remains difficult. However, the continuation of the path of integration into the EU is vital to guarantee Moldova’s security and prosperity. Abandoning this course would mean staying in a “gray area”, which leads to serious problems.

European integration for Moldova is not a choice between Russia and the West, but is a self-choice. There should be no doubt that the lack of a European perspective will create a strategic vacuum that will be filled by Russia, which is not interested in a peaceful and successful development of Moldova. Furthermore, this will allow the Republic of Moldova to be influenced by other players that will seek to strengthen Chisinau’s dependence on external, often unfavorable factors.

It goes without saying that the EU is the only way for Moldova to have access to significant resources for infrastructure development, reforms and modernization of the economy goes without saying. Direct or hidden subsidies from other players that are not interested in the sovereignty and stability of this country can seem attractive, but these funds will not be intended to boost the country’s competitiveness and integration into global markets.

Under this scenario, a well-known paradox could arise: the country receives resources, but remains on the margins of regional and international development, which will deepen socioeconomic problems, such as unemployment, low living standards and mass emigration. Moldova already experienced all this, and so did Ukraine. That is why European integration is so profoundly important.

Only together, Ukraine and Moldova, as members of the European Union, in close partnership, first of all with Romania, will be able to create a secure triangle of prosperity in this volatile region.

In Ukraine, we understand well the problems and challenges facing Moldova. And we sincerely wish our friend and neighbor to overcome them. The renunciation of European integration and even the incapacity to firmly anchor this course in its legislation and policies will only exacerbate these problems, placing the country in a position of strategic uncertainty, where it could become hostage to external conflicts and manipulations. The “gray zone”, without clear international partners and allies, will leave Moldova vulnerable to aggressive external actions.

Only the EU, with its Common Security and Defense Policy, its infrastructure projects and access to a vast market, can provide Moldova with the reliable protection and diplomatic support it will need in the face of growing regional and global instability. In fact, this is already happening, and an example is the creation and development of the group of friends of Moldova in the EU, which already provides the country with critical support in the field of security and economy.

Therefore, we must emphasize once again: only the continuation of the path of integration into the EU is the path to economic growth, investment and strengthening of the Republic of Moldova’s security. Direct assistance, implementation of European standards of governance, the fight against corruption, protection of human rights and the rule of law will stimulate reforms that will ensure Moldova’s development as a modern European state.

I have no doubt that a day will come when Ukraine, together with Moldova, will be in Brussels not as an invited guest, but as a full-fledged member in the process of taking decisions about the future of Europe and our peoples. This will be the first time in many centuries that the fate of our countries will be decided not by others, but by ourselves. The question is only when this will happen.

Here, we have to be honest, a lot depends not on us, but on the EU itself. We must understand that any halt or procrastination on our part will be used by enlargement skeptics to slow down the attainment by our countries of full membership. At this point, a unique configuration has been created in the history of the EU, in which the issue of enlargement is once again at the forefront. Two and a half years ago, this was a taboo topic among real players.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine and Kyiv’s application for membership, together with the decisive steps to achieve it, have fundamentally changed the European landscape and state of spirit. Moldova felt the moment, seized this chance and suddenly accelerated its European integration efforts. Losing this moment now, after all that has been accomplished, would be a mistake of historic proportions.

Therefore, we must be vigilant both at home and in the big European house, and not give the negative scenario a chance. The closest opportunity to prevent this scenario will soon appear in Moldova, when voters will go to the polls. We must walk this path with dignity and together. For our common future.