The question is no longer whether the Republic of Moldova is ready to join the European Union, but whether the EU is ready to rise to the courage demonstrated by the Republic of Moldova. The statement was made by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the President of the Foreign Policy Committee of the National Council of Austria, Petra Bayr, during a press conference held in Chisinau, following the visit of the foreign policy committees from the Austrian Parliament, reports IPN.
The Austrian parliamentarian emphasized that the Republic of Moldova has chosen the path of democracy under difficult geopolitical conditions and in a context of regional instability, demonstrating that democratic values remain a priority even under pressure. “Now the question is no longer whether Moldova is ready for Europe. Moldova has shown its firm commitment, has shown that democracy matters and has done so under difficult geopolitical circumstances, of instability. The question is whether Europe is ready to meet the courage demonstrated by the Republic of Moldova,” declared Petra Bayr.
According to this, states that choose democracy under such conditions deserve full support and trust from their European partners.
The representatives of the Austrian delegation emphasized that Austria remains a key supporter for the European path of the country, appreciating the democratic resilience and determination of the Moldovan society to advance despite challenges and external pressures.
“We are ready for the opening of negotiations, and the European Council meeting in June could be a landmark moment in our accession process to the European Union. We count on and rely on your support in this essential journey for our country,” declared Doina Gherman, the Vice President of the Parliament in Chisinau.
A key topic on the discussion agenda was Austria’s support for the modernization projects of the Republic of Moldova. According to Doina Gherman, so far, over 32 million euros have been invested in initiatives focused on rural development, infrastructure, water and sewage, environmental protection, and renewable energy. A direct impact example on local communities, highlighted at the conference, is the inauguration of the sewage network and the treatment plant in Gălești, Strășeni district.
