The EU - Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee requested the European institutions to work and offer the Republic of Moldova the status of EU candidate country, in the same way as Ukraine was offered this at the start of March, co-chairmen Siegfried Mureșan and Mihail Popșoi stated in a news conference after the Committee’s meeting, IPN reports.

Mihail Popșoi said that in the meeting he underlined the importance of taking all the opportunities stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the European Parliament that was signed last yearend.

He also spoke about the refugee crisis managed by Moldova. “Moldova welcomed a large number of Ukrainian refugees and we endeavored to offer all the assistance they needed. We thank our European partners for the important assistance offered to us and we further bank on their support,” stated Mihail Popșoi.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed gratitude to the European Union, the European Parliament for the constant assistance provided to Moldova so far, including in containing the COVID-19 pandemic and in overcoming the energy crisis experienced last year.

For his part, the Committee’s co-chairman on behalf of the EU Siegfried Mureșan said that the Republic of Moldova gained a lot of confidence at the European live in the recent past, especially in the context of the refugee crisis, given that it ensured stability in the EU’s Eastern neighborhood. “The citizens of the Republic of Moldova opened their doors and homes for sheltering and helping these people and deserves full admiration and encouragement,” said the Romanian MEP.

He noted that the European Parliament supported Moldova’s efforts in this regard and is ready to step up its support. “The stability and safety of the Republic of Moldova are essential for the security and safety of the European Union,” stated Siegfried Mureșan.