Slovakia’s role within the European Union and the benefits brought by the accession were presented at an exhibition in Chisinau. The exhibition consists of information panels accompanied by photographs reflecting Slovakia’s journey towards integration into the European Union, together with the main events that took place since it became a Member State. These include joining of the Schengen area, which allowed the citizens to move freely between the Member States without border controls, the adoption of the euro, opening up of new opportunities in tourism, opportunities for exporters and importers. The Ambassador of Slovakia to Moldova Pavol Ivan highlighted these aspects at the opening of the exhibition, IPN reports.

The European Union helps Slovakia to develop economically, contributes to the modernisation and reconstruction of infrastructure. On the other hand, Slovakia contributes to the stability of Europe. Key experts and diplomats of the country work in EU institutions.

Ambassador Pavol Ivan said that Slovakia’s accession to the EU is a success story. 92% of the country’s population expressed their desire to integrate into the European Union in the 2003 referendum. When a country becomes a member of the European Union, the adults, older people and the young people become part of the Union. Joining the EU was indeed in the interests of citizens because they integrated into the world of stability and prosperity. “It is in our interest to have a strong European Union united in diversity, which ensures good living and working conditions for all the people,” stated the diplomat.

The ambassador noted that Slovakia welcomes Moldova’s progress in reforming the economic, legislative sectors, harmonizing the national legislation with the EU legislation. It is important to develop a national communication strategy to explain to the people the benefits of accession. With the integration into the European Union, besides the obtained benefits, Moldova will have to make an economic, cultural contribution.

Secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Carolina Perebinos said that 20 years ago, on May 1, it was the biggest EU enlargement wave as ten states, including the Slovak Republic, joined the EU and during this period major transformations took place in these states. This considerably encourages the Republic of Moldova in the process of implementing reforms and fulfilling all the necessary conditions for accession to the EU.

The photo exhibition entitled “Slovakia on the EU Map”, which was staged by the Embassy of Slovakia in the Republic of Moldova, can be visited until May 14, 2024 at Café Europe in Chisinau.