The efforts made by the Republic of Moldova to make progress on the European path will continue so that, together with Ukraine, the country contributes to the construction of a stronger and more sustainable European Union, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu stated at the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum held in Bucharest, IPN reports.

In his speech, the Moldovan official said that the Parliament, together with the Government and the President’s Office, have built new bridges of friendship with countries that help Moldova succeed in the European integration process. Also, as this process advances, the authorities are increasingly determined to achieve the European reform agenda. “We hope that very soon we will start the accession negotiations and the whole process is, first of all, for our citizens, for the welfare of every person in the Republic of Moldova, who must live in peace and security, with efficient governance, justice, a strong and competitive economy, which will generate high-paying jobs,” said Igor Grosu.

The Speaker referred to the latest steps taken to implement the modernization agenda, mentioning, among others, the signing of the Security and Defense Partnership with the EU and the Agreement on Moldova’s participation in the Employment and Social Innovation component of the European Social Fund, which will facilitate Moldova’s access to funds for the implementation of social policies. “Discussing the enlargement of the European Union in the conditions that existed until February 2022 is no longer possible. We have set a speed and we will stick to it, but obviously not at the expense of quality,” noted the official.

Igor Grosu also said that Moldova and Ukraine will go together towards the European Union, will act as one voice and will learn good practices and accession lessons from friendly countries.

During May 23-24, Bucharest hosts the eighth edition of the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum – an international security conference, in regional format, which brings together guests with extensive professional experience from different countries to debate risks, threats and weaknesses in the Black Sea region and the Balkans.

Speaker Igor Grosu, together with the President of the Romanian Senate Nicolae Ciucă and the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk were the keynote speakers at the panel discussion centering on the European integration of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in the current European context.