The Republic of Moldova banks on a positive decision of the EU member states regarding the opening of accession negotiations at the European Council’s meeting of December 14-15, President Maia Sandu stated in a news conference given jointly with the President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar and the President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen, who are in Chisinau on a working visit. The foreign officials, for their part, noted that they came to Moldova to support the country’s European path, IPN reports.
President Sandu said the European Commission’s recommendation to initiate accession negotiations with Moldova confirms that the country launched serious reforms the past year, which prepare it to become a European state. The visit paid to Chisinau by her Austrian and Slovenian counterparts is a powerful signal of support for Moldova’s aspirations to become part of the EU. The objective is for Moldova to be ready to join the EU until 2030 as this is the only chance to guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for Moldova.
Maia Sandu also said that she discussed the Ukrainians’ heroic fight for freedom with the two Presidents and they expressed their support for Ukraine. Moldova will continue to ensure the functioning of commercial routes to and from Ukraine, will further offer refuge to the Ukrainians and will combine forces with the international community so that Russia is held accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine. It also supports Ukraine’s European aspirations.
For his part, the President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen said that Austria supports Moldova’s efforts to become a member of the EU. The provision of the EU candidate status last year was a very important signal. The relations between Austria and Moldova can be described as excellent. The two countries cooperate intensely in professional, vocational formation. Austria is among the top ten investors in Moldova. The two countries also have relations of cooperation for development: water supply, environmental protection, professional formation. The ministers of education of the two states recently signed in Vienna a declaration of intent on the founding of an Austrian electronics and technical informatics school in Moldova.
The President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar said that Slovenia supports the enlargement of the EU. She believes that Moldova’s place is in the EU and that Moldova and the other countries that want to join the European family need increased European support. The Moldovans should understand and accept the European path. Slovenia can help Moldova not with money, but rather through the agency of the Center of Excellence in Finance. On Friday, she will visit the National Bank of Moldova and will talk with the Bank’s administration about Slovenia’s projects in the financial sector.
Presidents Alexander Van der Bellen and Nataša Pirc Musar are visiting Chisinau during November 15-17.
