The EPC Summit in the Republic of Moldova has ended: Europe united in the face of its greatest military challenge
President Maia Sandu together with the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, held a summing up conference of the European Political Community Summit. The three leaders expressed their solidarity with the Republic of Moldova in its European journey. The President also noted that this event was the first to be held in a non-EU country.
"We have brought the whole continent together to reaffirm our collective and firm determination to bring peace to Europe. We all recognised that this European Political Community, which built on the success of the first meeting in Prague, is a unique opportunity for dialogue and bilateral relations. The EPC allows us to see how best to accelerate those projects and ideas that will benefit all our citizens," said President Maia Sandu.
On behalf of Moldovan citizens, Maia Sandu expressed gratitude to all European leaders, who stood by the Republic of Moldova.
"Your participation makes us proud to have hosted this Summit. Your presence makes us more confident", said the head of state.
Maia Sandu noted that the Summit brought tangible results for our country, mentioning the signing of the agreement on the gradual elimination of roaming charges in the EU for Moldovan citizens, starting from 1 January 2024. The head of state also mentioned the adoption by the EU of sanctions against seven people who are trying to destabilise the situation in Moldova, as well as the launch of the EU Civilian Mission in our country.
The holding of the EPC Summit in Moldova demonstrates the hope of the whole continent for this "wonderful country", said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
"Moldova is a member of the European family and we welcome its efforts to become a member of the EU. We encourage you in these efforts and assure you of our full support. We want to send a strong message of unity, especially in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The principles and values that underpin the EU and international rules are at risk because of this aggression, we must react together", said the Spanish Prime Minister.
Pedro Sánchez said that at the meeting in Bulboaca they had exchanged views on interconnectivity projects on the European continent. The corridor developed by Spain, Portugal and France was discussed, as well as the extension of the Mediterranean corridor to Ukraine.
Security was another theme, in particular the leaders gathered at the EPC Summit talked about nuclear security, expressing support for Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski.
Discussions will continue in October in the Spanish city of Grenada.
The Czech Republic praised the good organisation of the summit and said it "admires the courage to stand up to Russia," said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
"We are sending a strong message of support for Moldova and Ukraine. I am glad that this European political community, which was initiated last year in Prague, is reaping the fruits. Today we see that this community is an important forum for all European countries. Members of the community want to cooperate peacefully, according to the international, rules-based order. We will defend peace and security in Europe. Today we discussed three topics: security, energy and connectivity," the Czech official said.
The next European Political Community Summit will take place in Spain.
