Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has conveyed a firm message of support for Moldova on its path to EU membership. “For us, the Republic of Moldova has a rightful place in the European family (…) Europe is with you and will remain with you; we need to be strong and united in our convictions”, the official said during a press conference held in Brussels with the Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița.

“In our meeting we looked forward to the EU-Moldova Association Council taking place tomorrow. The full implementation of the current Association and Free Trade Agreement is the best and fastest way for Moldova to make progress on its membership bid. We need to accelerate the gradual integration of Moldova into the single market. Let me also single out of roaming charges as a particularly important and symbolic step”, stated Roberta Metsola.

She went on to add that the European Parliament will deliver on its promise to disburse the announced 145 million euros macrofinancial support package, taking the total to 600 million euros.

Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița declared that the discussion was fruitful and focused on Moldova’s efforts in fulfilling the new conditions formulated by the European Commission. The Prime Minister expressed her hope that accession negotiations will start as soon as possible. However, according to her, the Moldovan authorities are not looking for shortcuts, but will promote concrete changes for the betterment of the citizens.

“We are ready to go further on this path, to face the overlapping crises and creating the necessary conditions for the medium and long-term transformation of our country with a view to joining the European Union. We are sure that together, through solidarity and unity, we can overcome the difficulties of the moment”, declared the Moldovan Prime Minister.