Moldova is preparing for a questionnaire from the European Commission that will assess the degree of compatibility with the European Union in all 33 accession sections, stated Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu during a joint press conference held with his Czech, Slovakian and Austria counterparts.
Popescu said the job will require a “colossal” institutional effort, IPN reports.
The Moldovan foreign minister said that today’s meeting was an occasion to discuss the main areas of cooperation, the situation in the region, as well as the war in Ukraine. The countries strongly condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and insisted that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Other subjects included the humanitarian crisis created as a result of the influx of Ukrainian refugees, as well as economic cooperation, solving the problems of carriers, including through requests to liberalize transport and the number of permits required.
“We have reaffirmed our commitment and adherence to European values and principles. And obviously we adhere to these values and principles, because they are the best way to ensure the wellbeing of Moldova and a prosperous future for the country”, declared Popescu.
“We also talked about other concrete initiatives for the benefit of our citizens - we are promoting the conclusion of agreements to reduce roaming costs with all EU countries and bilaterally with Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Next week in Berlin we will talk to our European friends at the Moldova Support Conference, an initiative by Romania, France and Germany, fully supported by Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The creation of this Support Platform is another eloquent example of solidarity of the international community for mobilizing a greater help to our country in the process of European integration and management of the humanitarian crisis”, added Popescu.
The Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský stated that the Czech Republic has provided Moldova with financial and material assistance worth 3.5 million euros and more will follow. “In this complicated situation, the Western community is united around the principle of democracy, which is the only source of peace and stability, but also condemns the aggression caused by Putin’s totalitarian regime,” the official said.
Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korčok noted that European officials are here to express support and respect for the Moldovans that have opened up the borders for the Ukrainans seeking shelter. “You have opened your homes and your hearts. It is something that will not be forgotten at European level”, the Slovak official remarked.
Alexander Schallenberg, Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, said the visit was a strong signal of support for Moldova, which deserves appreciation for its support for refugees. The clear political position of the Republic of Moldova is to be appreciated, despite all the risks.
