The process of Moldova’s accession to the European Union cannot become hostage to Russia’s ambitions, and the authorities in Chisinau are ready to move forward on this path, regardless of any challenges from Moscow. The statement was made by President Maia Sandu during the bilateral Moldova-European Union summit, which is taking place today in Chisinau, IPN reports.
The head of state said that the authorities want the process of European integration and the reintegration of the Transnistrian region to take place simultaneously, but will not allow the Russian Federation to block the country’s European path.
“Of course, we would like to see full reintegration and integration into the European Union. These processes could happen simultaneously, and we are truly working towards this,” said Maia Sandu. At the same time, she noted that the presence of the Russian army in the Transnistrian region is a considerable impediment to the country’s reintegration. “We do not want Russia to be able to veto the integration process of the Republic of Moldova, because we all know that Russia does not want to see Moldova as part of the European family,” the president stressed.
In turn, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Moldova’s European future cannot be blocked by the Russian Federation. “I believe it is very clear that Moldova’s European future cannot and will not become hostage to Russian aggression,” said the European official, reiterating the EU’s support for Moldova in the face of crises provoked by Moscow.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, spoke about the two parallel processes that the Republic of Moldova is undergoing—European integration and territorial reintegration: “Of course, we are open to integrating the entire territory, the entire country, all Moldovans into the most prosperous and secure space in the world, into the largest and most powerful peace project in the world,” said the European official.
The first bilateral summit between Moldova and the European Union took place today at the State Residence in Chisinau. The event was attended by leaders from Brussels, President Maia Sandu, Speaker Igor Grosu, and Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
