Cyprus supports EU enlargement. Maia Sandu: “Accession is not only a political goal, but a national project”
Cyprus, which will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2026, supports "a credible and ambitious enlargement agenda for the European Union." This agenda aims to show that the European promise remains alive for the states that strive toward it. This statement was made by President Maia Sandu during her meeting with her counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, in Nicosia on December 12.
The Head of State emphasized that for the Republic of Moldova, European integration is not merely a political goal but a national project crucial for the country's future. Maia Sandu stated, "It is a survival strategy in a context where an aggressor continues to threaten our sovereignty."
She noted that Cyprus, more than many other countries, understands the importance of building resilience, defending sovereignty, and relying on the strength of European unity. This experience is also relevant for the Republic of Moldova, which is facing similar challenges.
"Enlargement has always made the European Union safer, more prosperous, and more capable of acting globally. The Republic of Moldova wants to contribute to this strength of the Union," the Head of State declared.
In her speech, Maia Sandu highlighted the role of small and medium-sized states in building Europe. She said, “The European Union is a union largely constructed by small and medium-sized states—like ours—that support each other, share responsibilities, and collectively shape the future of the continent.” She recalled how the EU has become “the most successful project of peace, solidarity, and economic development in modern history.”
The Head of State emphasized that peace between Member States is no accident; it results from shared values, common rules, and collective commitment. “The Republic of Moldova wants to be part of this peace project,” Maia Sandu declared.
Additionally, the President cited Cyprus’s transformation since joining the European Union as a powerful example of how membership strengthens stability and fosters development, even amidst a complex regional context. “We admire this progress and wish to follow a similar path because Moldovans deserve the same opportunity for stability, prosperity, and peace,” added the Head of State.
According to President Sandu, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova have shown their commitment to European values, even in times of crisis, such as during the war in Ukraine and the support provided by Chișinău. She noted, “With modest resources and a population of 2.5 million, we managed the transit of over a million refugees, and approximately 100,000 have found a home in the Republic of Moldova.”
The Republic of Moldova has facilitated Solidarity Corridors, supported humanitarian efforts, and contributed to training Ukrainian sappers, as well as to European security through peacekeeping missions, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and combating hybrid threats.
“Advancing on the European path strengthens the EU’s eastern border, enhances Ukraine’s security, and prevents hostile actors from exploiting our upcoming electoral cycle to pull the country back into Moscow’s orbit,” Maia Sandu underscored.
The president concluded that the Republic of Moldova is currently in a “window of opportunity, an urgent one, that must be seized.” She warned that stagnation would pose risks beyond the borders of the Republic of Moldova, including regional instability and a weakening of the credibility of the enlargement process.
Maia Sandu expressed gratitude to the Cypriot authorities for their willingness to support a roadmap for the EU Council Presidency, including advancing Moldova's accession negotiations. She believes that with Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency, bilateral cooperation will help build "a stronger, safer, and more united Europe."
This visit marks the first time in 20 years that a Moldovan president has travelled to Cyprus, and it comes at a crucial moment for both Europe and the relationship between the two nations.
The agenda also features meetings with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou.
