Moldova's EU path: France, Germany, Poland visit signals 'paradigm shift'
The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Chișinău on Independence Day has more than just symbolic value, a political expert has said.
Mihai Mogîldea told Radio Moldova the event confirms a "paradigm shift" in the European Union's approach to Moldova since the war in Ukraine began.
"Before 2022, the European Union was not so open to our country," Mr Mogîldea said. "Today, there's a clear discussion about the opportunity for Moldova to become an EU member and the fact that we are expected inside the organisation."
The expert said European support also has a strategic dimension, given the threats from Russia. He recalled France's contributions to Moldova’s security, including the purchase of its first air-surveillance radar and the creation of the Moldova Support Platform alongside Germany and Romania.
He also highlighted the importance of the European economic growth plan, worth 1.9bn euros, announced by Ursula von der Leyen and already in effect. The plan is expected to bring the first funding tranches in the coming months.
"Our country is set to benefit from these funds, and the three nations are among our main foreign donors," he said. Foreign trade fuels domestic production and economic development, while cooperation also extends to education and culture.
A former member of the first parliament, Ion Eremia, said the only chance for Moldova to prosper is through its European path. He recalled the pivotal moments of 1991, when the country declared its independence.
"August 27, 1991, was a historic day because Moldova appeared on the world map," Mr Eremia said. "The first Parliament laid the foundations of the sovereign state through the Declaration of Sovereignty, Declaration of Independence, an appeal to the UN and the introduction of a national currency."
Mr Eremia said that since independence, the country has fluctuated between East and West, but in recent years, it has firmly followed the European path. "The European path is the most correct direction and is now supported by concrete facts and results," he said. He also had a message for younger generations: "We are deciding not only our fate but also that of our children and grandchildren. This is a historic moment just as important as the one in 1991."
Historian Ștefan Bejan believes Moldova's solid relationship with the EU is a major asset, even if it fails to implement all the necessary reforms. "Even if we are not fully prepared, if we show that we are trustworthy, Moldova will become part of the European Union," Mr Bejan said.
He said that during the energy crisis of 2021–2022, the EU, particularly France and Germany, gave concrete support to Moldova, which helped reduce the burden of bills for citizens. "It is important to know who our friends are in these turbulent times," the historian concluded.
The visit of the three leaders came on Moldova's Independence Day. At a press conference with President Maia Sandu, the officials delivered strong messages of support for the country’s European journey.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
