Two years ago, the European integration for many Moldovans was a dream, a wish about something that exists far away and is hard to be achieved. Now all the member states of the European Union agree that Moldova’s future lies with the EU, stated the EU Ambassador to Moldova Jānis Mažeiks. “However, we know that the longest journey starts with a small step and you took this step,” said the diplomat, addressing the people who came to the yard of the Presidential Palace to celebrate the “European Moldova”. The event was held in connection with the European Council's decision to open the accession negotiations with Moldova, IPN reports. 
 
EU Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks noted that the decision to open the accession negotiations with Moldova was taken on Thursday at political level by the EU leaders. It was taken based on the European Commission’s conclusion that Moldova made progress in all the key areas, such as the justice sector reform, the fight against corruption and the rule of law. “I know that you made 120% effort to make sure there is no doubt about Moldova’s firm wish to join the European Union. The decision to open accession negotiations shows both the Moldovans’ determination and the European Union’s commitment to deliver the promises. I hope now that it is clearer that the Republic of Moldova will become a member of the European Union, the European integration will have a national sense,” stated the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova. 
 
Jānis Mažeiks noted that a lot of hard work and many complex decisions follow now for Moldova, but compared with the situation two years ago, the European dream is a reality that takes a clearer shape. “Moldova is Europe, Europe is Moldova,” said the EU official. 
 
The European Council on December 14 decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine and to grant the EU candidate status to Georgia.