Nicu Popescu resigns as MP; Maia Sandu names him special envoy for European affairs and strategic partnerships
Former Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu is resigning from his position as a deputy of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), a role he secured in the September 28 elections. He is stepping down to become the special envoy of the president for European affairs and strategic partnerships. His mission is to strengthen international support for the Republic of Moldova's accession to the European Union. This appointment was formalized by a presidential decree signed by President Maia Sandu on October 31.
The Envoy is a newly established position in the Republic of Moldova that will work closely with the President, the Government, and the Parliament. Its mission is to "advance the political dimension of the accession process and strengthen relations with strategic partners for peace and security," according to a press release from the Presidency.
The role of the special envoy is to enhance the activities of the presidential institution by involving specialists with in-depth training in areas of strategic importance to the country.
Nicu Popescu: "We have no time to waste"
Nicu Popescu announced his resignation from his deputy position through a message on his Facebook page. He stated that he will continue to support the European path of the Republic of Moldova.
"In order to further contribute to the EU accession process and to strengthen European support for the Republic of Moldova, I am resigning from my deputy mandate and accepting the position of special envoy for European affairs and strategic partnerships," Popescu declared.
In his new role, he will focus on enhancing dialogue with European institutions, member state capitals, and international partners.
"In this role, I will prioritize political dialogue and necessary partnerships with EU institutions, member states, parliamentarians, the media, and the cultural environment, as well as Moldova’s strategic partners. We have no time to waste: every conversation, every ally, and every step forward counts," said the former minister, who oversaw Moldova's application for EU membership and the achievement of candidate country status for accession to the bloc.
According to the Presidency, the special envoy will be tasked with enhancing political support for the Republic of Moldova's accession to the European Union. This will involve engaging in dialogue with European leaders, the diplomatic community, the media, academia, and the business sector.
Additionally, the envoy will work on developing strategic partnerships with EU institutions regarding key integration issues, promoting Moldova’s external image, advocating for favorable decisions at the European level, collaborating with partner states on security matters, and contributing to public communications about European integration. This will include maintaining ongoing dialogue with the diaspora.
Nicu Popescu served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration from June to November 2019 and again from August 2021 to January 2024. During this time, he led the diplomatic efforts of the Republic of Moldova to initiate accession negotiations with the European Union and worked to strengthen relations with EU member states, the USA, and other partners.
Recently, Nicu Popescu has been the co-director of the European Security Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) based in Paris.
