The eight foreign ministers of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) format committed themselves to strengthening their institutional capacities to help consolidate their response to international challenges and adapt more quickly to geopolitical changes. An inter-ministerial memorandum in this regard was signed in Chisinau between the Nordic and Baltic countries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, IPN reports.
According to Minister Mihai Popșoi, the presence of the eight diplomats in Chisinau is a clear sign of support for the European aspirations and of solidarity in an extremely difficult geopolitical context, marked by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The meeting provides an opportunity to communicate directly with partners and to demonstrate that Moldova is deeply attached to democratic values, which are the foundation of the European aspirations. The official also noted the provocations and hybrid attacks staged by Russia in Moldova and the attempts to manipulate the electoral process by buying votes.
The head of the Moldovan diplomatic service said that the referendum is a crucial opportunity to show determination, protect the values and cope with the interference of the Russian Federation. Mihai Popșoi welcomed the European Parliament’s resolution on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming referendum and presidential election, adopted on October 9. He also said that the countries will become actively involved in international efforts to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and contribute to regional and global security.
The ministers of foreign affairs, who came to Chisinau, expressed their support for Moldova’s European path and solidarity in relation to the regional geopolitical challenges. Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that Denmark has been a member state of the European Union for over 50 years, which is why it has remained a firm supporter of EU integration. Denmark’s sovereignty has not been affected by the EU membership. “Together we become stronger, we become safer. It is worth mentioning these things, in these challenging times,” stated the Danish official.
For his part, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that he came to Moldova to support the country in its reforms and efforts to deal with hybrid threats from Russia and to share the experience of Estonia as a member state of the European Union. He came to work together and support Moldova, but also to learn from it.
Baiba Braže, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia noted that it is natural for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to make their choice in this week’s referendum. When Latvia joined the EU 20 years ago, citizens’ support was 60 percent, but now it exceeds 80 percent.
Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis said that in recent years Moldova has demonstrated a broad program on its path towards the EU and alignment with European policies, increased trade in the EU. “It is the citizens’ choice whether Moldova should be part of the European Union or not,” stated the Lithuanian official. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Eide applauded the efforts made by the citizens and authorities of the Republic of Moldova to pursue the long journey to the EU. In his opinion, there will be debates, but it is important to be constructive because the path to the EU will make the country richer, safer and stronger.
The Secretary of State the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland Martin Eyjólfsson said the people of the Republic of Moldova have the right to express their choice freely, without threats. Democracy implies not only rights, but also obligations, such as going to the polling station to vote, which is why it is important that the voter turnout be high.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) is a regional cooperation format aimed at discussing current regional and international topics. This year NB8 is chaired by Sweden, which took over from Latvia in 2023. The format includes Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.
