President Maia Sandu said now that the Republic of Moldova was granted the EU candidate status, the Government, Parliament and the presidential administration will continue working day by day, alongside the local public administration, for the development of the villages and towns of Moldova and the country in general to continue. As a candidate county, Moldova can advance with changes faster given that it will enjoy the EU’s support and the resources provided by Brussels, IPN reports.
“With the support of the EU, together with you, by work, discipline and order, we will manage to ensure peace and development in the country even during this period that is full of challenges. Dear citizens, owing to your wish, the choice you made, our country today has real chances of developing and of bringing our living standards closer to those in the EU. Despite the difficulties and uncertainty, we are determined to advance on this road. For this national effort to clean and develop the country, we need all the political forces, civil society, public servants, of the central and local authorities, the private sector to combine forces. Only together we can raise the country to the living, safety and development conditions that its people deserve,” Maia Sandu stated in a news conference on Friday.
The official noted that the success of Moldova’s European approach to a great extent depends on the integrity, efficiency and independence of the justice system. That’s why the justice sector reform remains the government’s priority. “We must clear the judicial system and the prosecution service of corrupt persons and persons who lack integrity. Without such a step, we cannot have an integral justice system on which each citizen or investor can bank,” stated Maia Sandu.
“This event does not change things in our country overnight, but we will enjoy greater support from the European Union on the difficult path we follow so as to strengthen peace, to improve the living conditions of the people and to create opportunities for development for the enterprising ones. The candidate country status offers us a clear development direction, support on this path and, what’s more important, hope.”
President Sandu also said that the candidate status is an opportunity for the localities covered by the European Village Program as these will enjoy more financing opportunities for developing. The business community will also benefit from opportunities.
On 23 June, EU leaders meeting in the European Council agreed to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status. “A historic moment. Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on Twitter. “Congratulations to Zelenskyy and Maia Sandu and the people of Ukraine and Moldova. Our future is together.” At the same time, the Council decided to recognize the European perspective of Georgia, and, according to Michel, “is ready to grant candidate status once the outstanding priorities are addressed”.
