Moldova’s efforts to help Ukrainian refugees and the steps taken by Moldova in the context of its application for EU membership were among the main topics discussed by President Maia Sandu during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, IPN reports.

At a joint press conference in Brussels after the meeting, Roberta Metsola noted the prompt and consistent response of the Republic of Moldova to the challenges that arose in the context of the Russian war in Ukraine. In terms of population, Moldova hosts more Ukrainian refugees than any other country. “We know the challenges you face and let me assure you that the European Parliament will do everything in its power to support you. Secondly, Moldova has its place in the European family”, said Metsola.

Speaking about European integration, Roberta Metsola pointed out that each state has its own path and “we must not disappoint our neighbors who look to Europe with a well-defined goal (…) We need to defend our common ideas and values”.

For her part, Maia Sandu thanked for the opportunity to address the European Parliament, which was informed about the security challenges faced by Moldova. Sandu thanked the European forum for the recommendation given to EU institutions to grant EU candidate status to Moldova.

Maia Sandu spoke about Moldova’s “incontestable European future”. “We speak one of the official languages of the European Union, and our citizens have often demonstrated their attachment to the values of freedom and democracy when they opposed anti-democratic abuses in our country”, declared the Moldovan president.