From justice reform and energy security to combating disinformation, the Republic of Moldova is undergoing a complex test on its path to the European Union. Sweden is among the countries actively supporting this process, both through financial assistance and expertise. In an interview for IPN, Ambassador Petra Lärke explains why Moldova is today one of the most successful candidate countries for accession and what makes her believe in the success of this journey.

Thank you.

Madam Ambassador, Sweden has been a consistent supporter of the Republic of Moldova’s European integration. How do you assess Moldova’s progress on its path towards accession to the European Union?

The Republic of Moldova has made huge strides towards accession and harmonization of its legislation, as well as in building a truly impressive history of reforms. Of course, joining the European Union is a task of great proportions. It is an enormous amount of work and I know that there are many public officials and people from all over Moldova who are working extremely hard to achieve this goal.

Sweden is prepared to offer support, and everything we do in Moldova, through our cooperation for reforms and through political cooperation, is precisely oriented in this direction – towards the future accession of Moldova to the European Union. But, in short, I believe that Moldova has implemented many reforms and has taken numerous steps forward, but it is a huge task. There is still much to be done and considerable efforts are needed for the entire country to be prepared to join the European Union.

In several public statements, you have emphasized the importance of democratic resilience and the rule of law. What are the most important reforms for Moldova to advance towards EU accession?

Certainly, what I have said before and what I want to emphasize again is the construction of a democratic state in the Republic of Moldova, which has already advanced a lot on this path. However, the independence of justice and the rule of law are fundamental for the existence of a fully democratic society and a state with a functional economy.

Firstly, I would mention the ongoing justice reform. It is a truly transformative reform. It requires time and is costly, both financially and in terms of human resources, but it is extremely important. Additionally, I would highlight the local public administration reform, which is another essential reform for the integration of the entire society into the European Union. By merging some administrative-territorial units and creating larger and more efficient structures, the whole country will be better prepared to assume both the responsibilities and benefits that come with membership in the European Union.

At the same time, I want to emphasize that Moldova is implementing all these reforms – and there are many others, such as fiscal reform, health reform and education reform – there are many ongoing reforms, and the Republic of Moldova is carrying out all these important reforms and making a huge effort, while, at the same time, it is facing hybrid attacks from one of its neighbors, Russia.

I believe that this makes the challenge even greater, and the results even more worthy of appreciation. The fact that this country has the resilience to continue reforms and, at the same time, to resist hybrid attacks is truly remarkable.

Sweden supports numerous development and governance projects in the Republic of Moldova. Could you tell us which areas currently benefit from the strongest Swedish support and why?

We have an extensive portfolio of projects in the Republic of Moldova and I am very proud of what Sweden has achieved here over the past 30 years. We have been present for a long time, and our support has evolved over the years. The Swedish Government recently adopted a new strategy that extends our cooperation with Moldova for another five years. The main directions remain the same, but the emphasis on the European Union accession process is even stronger.

We are active in all negotiation clusters that Moldova will have with the European Union. Our reforms are found in all those clusters. Special attention is given to democracy and the rule of law, and this will continue. In this context, I would also mention our support for independent media and media education. These contribute both to the development of a democratic and resilient society, as well as to combating hybrid attacks and external influences trying to undermine the security of the state. This is an important chapter.

We also attach great importance to economic development. Today, we witnessed the signing of an agreement between the National Trade Council of Sweden and the Ministry of Economy, which will help the Republic of Moldova align with the European directive on services. It is a complex field, and Swedish experts will be able to support their Moldovan colleagues in this process.

We are very active in the environmental sector as well. Here, the community acquis is very extensive, and the necessary reforms require significant resources and capacities. I am proud that we can contribute in this area too. In fact, we are involved almost everywhere and we try to help the Republic of Moldova as much as possible to advance on its European path.

As you mentioned, the Republic of Moldova has been facing disinformation campaigns and external pressure since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. How important is institutional resilience for a candidate country such as Moldova?

It is extremely important. I have seen in the European Union that this aspect can vary over time, but it is essential for the entire Union that member states be truly democratic, have strong institutions that combat corruption and have the necessary integrity to intervene when things are not working as they should.

The strength of institutions and the existence of solid structures that support governance and the exercise of executive power are fundamental elements.

Energy independence has become a major challenge for the Republic of Moldova. What role does Sweden play in supporting Moldova’s transition towards a sustainable and secure energy system?

Energy independence is extremely important and I believe many of us are impressed by the fact that Moldova is now completely independent from Russian energy and gas. It is remarkable that you have managed to restructure your energy market so quickly.

Of course, there is still much to be done to build a more resilient energy market and to develop our own capacities in this sector. One of the areas where Sweden has been very active is energy efficiency. It is one of our strong points, both nationally and in the development assistance programs we offer to other partners. Through the BERD and other funds, we have contributed to the increase of energy efficiency in Moldova’s buildings and to the improvement of energy transport infrastructure.

We have also supported Moldova during times of crisis. For several years, we have been facing an energy crisis and prices have significantly increased. We also considered it important to support the Republic of Moldova, for example through the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund, which was created a few years ago. This represented one of our significant forms of support for Moldova.

Young people in the Republic of Moldova often look to the European Union with hope, but also with uncertainty. What message would you personally convey to the younger generations about Moldova’s European future?

Firstly, my message is simple: the future looks very promising. I believe that the future of the Republic of Moldova in the European Union is extremely promising. Moldova is a small country, but it has a lot to offer. Full integration into the European internal market will bring significant benefits to the economy and will contribute to the strengthening of the rule of law, the application of rules, the adoption of new laws that will ensure a solid foundation for democracy. So there will be many benefits.

I understand, however, that there are also fears. Some people have not traveled much through the European Union and there are also many attempts to spread fear by those who do not want Moldova to join the European Union. But I want to emphasize very clearly that you can join the European Union as you are.

We like to talk about unity in diversity. In Sweden, we have our own preferences and cultural differences, we have minority languages and our own culture, which sometimes is one that perhaps not all of Europe would embrace. But that is not a problem.

What I am trying to say is that, in Europe, we have so many different countries and nobody wants them all to be the same. We want all countries to continue to develop their culture, languages and strengths, but at the same time, to unite around very important aspects, such as the internal market, security, and the rules and regulations that serve us all.

So, I am optimistic, but I also take seriously some of the questions that people may have and which are fully justified. I believe that we, as the European Union, together with the Government of Moldova, local authorities and all those working in administration and in Parliament, have the responsibility to go into the country, to explain all these things and to have discussions with people who have questions.

Finally, Madam Ambassador, what makes you believe that the Republic of Moldova can successfully complete the reforms needed for accession to the European Union?

There are several reasons. Firstly, the professionalism and dynamism of the people I meet in governmental institutions, in communities, in Parliament, in civil society and in the business environment. People are very clear about their objective, they are dedicated and willing to put in the necessary effort. This would be the first element in response to your question.

Secondly, I would say that you have demonstrated through the results achieved so far that you are doing very good things. Moldova is one of the candidate countries that has made the most progress in such a short time. You have completed the screening process at a record pace, and in the latest expansion report of the European Commission, Moldova was mentioned as the candidate country that made the most progress in 2025. Therefore, we can see that the dynamism and vision of these people produce many results.

But, ultimately, I would mention the people of Moldova. The citizens of the Republic of Moldova have voted, in five consecutive elections, for a pro-European government or, in the referendum, for accession to the European Union. It is clear that this population and this country have chosen the European path. And this despite threats from abroad and under conditions where they had to simultaneously face multiple crises: economic crises, a large influx of refugees and other difficulties.

However, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova have been very clear about what they want. They wish to join the European Union and do not believe that anyone will be able to stop them.