The European Union and the Republic of Moldova will continue to stand firm for peace, working shoulder to shoulder to shape this common future, on their own terms, without interference. The statements were made at a joint press conference of the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu and the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, who is visiting Chisinau. According to the European official, no one wants peace more than the Ukrainians, and the EU supports the efforts to achieve a lasting peace, which does not only mean a ceasefire. What is happening now in Ukraine is not only Ukraine's problem and refers to the security of Europe as a whole, IPN reports.
"Moldova is witnessing a defining moment in its path towards the European Union, a moment that will profoundly shape its future for all generations to come. Moldova has chosen its European future and has already demonstrated its commitment to democracy, freedom and a better life for its children," noted the President of the European Council.
According to Antonio Costa, some are trying to undermine Moldova's path towards prosperity, stability, using energy blackmail, fake news, hybrid attacks, but the citizens of the Republic of Moldova stood up firmly and consolidated their choice – the country's European path – by mentioning this in the referendum a few months ago. At the same time, the EU has already demonstrated that it stands by the Moldovan citizens in times of challenges and crises, being a reliable and predictable partner.
The European official noted that the EU is a peace project, which means that security and defense are necessarily a priority, because peace without defense is just an illusion. For this reason, on March 6, he will convince the European Council to approve a concrete decision to increase the defense capabilities.
"We will join our efforts to support Ukraine and all European countries, to defend this project of ours – the project of peace," said Antonio Costa.
The European official also said that the EU created the European Peace Facility, an instrument meant to support the defense capabilities of different countries. Moldova is the second largest beneficiary of this peace instrument.
"There is for now a sum of €37 million designed to increase the defense capabilities in the Republic of Moldova. In 2025, we will offer another €60 million. We invest in defense not to provoke a war, but to ensure peace," said the President of the European Council.
For her part, President Maia Sandu said that Moldova's security is no longer just a matter of internal politics, but is part of a common European effort. In a world marked by insecurity, hybrid threats, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, Moldova is strengthening its capacity to resist with the support of the European Union.
"We were the first country to sign a Strategic Partnership for Security and Defense with the European Union. We are modernizing the army with European assistance through the European Peace Facility. Within the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova, Moldovan and European experts join efforts to combat foreign interference and strengthen the security not only of our country, but also of the whole of Europe," said President Sandu.
