EU accession talks for Moldova could begin this autumn, leaders announce
The European Union has opened its doors to Moldova, and accession talks could begin this autumn, the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland announced in Chișinău on Wednesday, August 27.
The three leaders had arrived to celebrate Independence Day alongside Moldovan citizens. At a joint press conference with President Maia Sandu, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Donald Tusk delivered strong messages of support for Moldova's European path.
Emmanuel Macron: "European integration is a clear choice in favour of peace"
"Accession to the European Union represents a historic opportunity for Moldova’s future—a chance for prosperity and security," French President Emmanuel Macron said in a speech he delivered in Chișinău on Moldova’s Independence Day. The French leader said the inclusion of European accession as a constitutional objective, following the 2024 referendum, demonstrates the Moldovan people’s determination to decide their own future.
Macron praised Moldova's progress in implementing reforms, particularly in the justice system, which made it possible to validate the first installment of over 9 million euros from the Growth Plan for Moldova. He reiterated Paris's support on both the European and bilateral levels. In the context of the war in Ukraine, the French president emphasized that the European Union is the only option for peace and respect for international law.
"Just a few hundred kilometers from your capital, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to rage. It is essential to remember that for Moldova, European integration is a clear choice in favor of peace and international law. (...) Unlike Russia, the European Union threatens no one. It respects the sovereignty of every nation," Emmanuel Macron affirmed.
He concluded by sending a message of solidarity and confidence in "our common future in Europe."
Donald Tusk: "There is no safe EU without a safe Moldova"
"The peace, well-being, and security of the European Union are tied to the tranquility, peace, and prosperity of the Republic of Moldova," stated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He emphasized that Moldova's integration into the European Union isn't just a gesture of solidarity but a shared interest.
"A secure and prosperous Moldova as part of the European Union is in the EU's vital interest. Europe will be stronger with Moldova. Your resilience, your loyalty to values, and your voice will enrich the entire European Union," Tusk declared.
He also stressed that Europe's security is closely linked to Moldova's: "To put it simply, there is no secure European Union, no secure Poland, no secure France, or a secure Germany without an independent and secure Republic of Moldova," the Polish Prime Minister pointed out.
In his message, Donald Tusk commended Moldova's efforts to increase its resilience and face external challenges.
"You managed to resist the cold when they cut off your gas, and you succeeded when they caused a radical price increase, and you stabilized—with Europe's help, you won in that situation. You also faced all the lies and propaganda. (...) You chose not just the right path, the European one, but also a path that was not easy for you," Donald Tusk concluded.
Friedrich Merz: "This autumn, we will open the first negotiation chapters"
"The doors of the European Union are open, and you are wholeheartedly welcome in this EU," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at the joint press conference with the leaders of France, Poland, and Moldova in Chișinău.
According to the German official, the Moldovan people's choice for a European future is a clear one, and Germany will support Moldova "with all its might."
"This autumn, we will do everything possible to open the first negotiation chapters. Germany will continue to send experts to the Republic of Moldova to support its reforms. We will help with both European and German resources to ensure energy security and to promote smaller projects and small and medium-sized enterprises," Friedrich Merz emphasized.
The German official reiterated his country's support for Moldova's sovereignty and freedom, in the context of the war in Ukraine and external pressures.
"We support you in strengthening your sovereignty and freedom. We know and are aware that Moldova is suffering greatly from Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. We know the concern with which you are watching everything happening on the war stage. And I want to tell you this: this war must stop, but not at any cost," the German Chancellor said.
"We do not want Ukraine to surrender. Such a surrender would only give Russia time, and Mr Putin would use that time to prepare for the next war. Therefore, we want and need lasting peace. We are working on this with great intensity alongside our partners from the United States and Europe. We are doing this for Ukraine, but we are also doing it for ourselves. And we are doing this for Moldova as well," the German Chancellor added.
Friedrich Merz also stressed that "Russia works daily with great persistence to undermine the freedom, well-being, and peace in the Republic of Moldova and to question them."
"President Putin has described the dissolution of the Soviet Union as a great catastrophe, the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century. He wants to turn back time and take Moldova back into Russia's sphere of influence. Before the parliamentary elections in this country, not a day goes by without massive hybrid attacks from Russia. The stakes are Moldova's democracy, both online and offline, and its open, liberal society. That is why Germany is helping; that is why Europe is helping. We support Moldova in the fight against disinformation and in the fight against cyber campaigns," the German Chancellor concluded.
Maia Sandu: "Moldova matters, and EU accession is not a distant dream"
President Maia Sandu emphasized that history has been cruel to Moldova, which has too often stood at the intersection of wars, but despite all challenges, the country has been and remains on the right side of history.
In recent years, Moldova has appeared on the world stage, is regarded with respect, and has a strong voice. The presence of the leaders of the three states, "highly respected by Moldovans," is a clear sign of respect and appreciation for the Republic of Moldova and its citizens, Ms Sandu said.
"Today, our friends are here, with us, to say clearly that Moldova matters, and accession to the European Union is not a distant dream but a project we are working on. It is a project in our hands, and we have no right to lose it. We have no right to allow those terrible times to return, or to allow an impassable chasm to form between us and Europe," Maia Sandu declared.
The presence of the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland shows not only their support for Moldova but also that the European project continues, and our country is a part of it, the head of state added.
"I want to state unequivocally that there is no alternative to Europe, and without the European Union, Moldova will remain stuck in the past. Russia's ruthless war against Ukraine shows us daily that Europe means freedom and peace, while Mr Putin's Russia means aggression and war," the head of state also affirmed, noting that Moldovans have already chosen the correct direction: the European path, the path of peace.
The Republic of Moldova is marking 34 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which was voted on by Parliament on August 27, 1991.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
