People from different corners of the country gathered in Chisinau to celebrate Europe Day. The event, celebrated in the European Village in the Great National Assembly Square, began with the singing of the anthems of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. In the inaugural ceremony, President Maia Sandu said that Europe Day is a continuation of the victory of the allied forces that made peace possible. “The victory in World War II and the peace that followed it were achieved only thanks to the combined forces of the allied states to oppose the evil and national resistance in each country,” said the head of state, being quoted by IPN.

The official noted that the Day of Victory over Nazism and Europe Day are not contradictory. “The day the war was stopped leaves us with painful memories of death and suffering, but this day also marks the step that led to the most important rebirth of the European continent. The creation of the European Union has guaranteed and guarantees peace between member countries. We urge you not to let anyone put boundaries between us, to mourn the dead together, to keep alive the memory of our heroes and to work together for peace. Peace is not an ideological notion. We want peace because we love our home and family. And, because peace is our priority, Moldova chooses the European Union,'” said Maia Sandu.

The head of state also said that the accession to the European Union “puts the Republic of Moldova on a path of development that will offer the country’s citizens a peaceful and safe future at home” and European Moldova means a state with strong, reliable friends with whom to feel safe. “Now it is up to us to make Moldova a European state by 2030. No one can stop us ifrom following our path if we step decisively,” said President Sandu, adding that the Moldovans will decide by vote the country’s future in the referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union in October. Maia Sandu noted she is hopeful that all the Moldovan citizens, regardless of their place of residence and spoken language, can benefit from the European integration.

European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn said the presence of European dignitaries and ambassadors at the event was a sign of common support and solidarity. According to him, the European Union provides comprehensive support for the population of Moldova, both financially and through various projects, but also appreciates the support provided by Moldova to Ukraine and Europe “in this difficult period”. The EU official reminded that Moldova was unanimously granted the prospect of joining the European Union and is now a candidate country. Europe will help the country to integrate into the most successful project – the European Union, noted the European Commissioner, underlining he was confident that Moldova will soon start the accession negotiations.

Europe Day was marked this year in the Republic of Moldova under the theme “Freedom, peace, prosperity – Europe is you!”. In the European Village staged in the capital city, Member States of the European Union shared with visitors their cultural and culinary traditions. The visitors were able to participate in questionnaires, challenge games and to learn about the activities carried out within the projects funded by the European Union. Events dedicated to Europe Day 2024 will take place throughout May.