Situation in Moldova discussed by Klaus Iohannis and Charles Michel: "It needs the full support of the European Union"
The situation in the Republic of Moldova was discussed today by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and European Council President Charles Michel, who is on an official visit to Bucharest. The leader from the Cotroceni Palace called on the European Union to support the Republic of Moldova, in the context in which, according to him, our country is currently the target of threats and hybrid actions aimed at derailing its European path.
"I have presented to the President of the European Council our assessment of the situation in the Republic of Moldova, which is currently the target of threats and hybrid actions aimed at derailing its European course. In order to cope with this pressure, the Republic of Moldova needs the full support of the European Union and I am glad that the President of the European Council shares this vision," reads the statement by the President of Romania, released by the Romanian Presidency.
The leader in Bucharest announced that at the European Council meeting last week, he mandated the European Commission to present a support package for the Republic of Moldova before our next meeting in June.
"The European Union is preparing a civilian mission to provide concrete support in combating hybrid threats. We also continue to promote our proposal for a sanctions regime dedicated to the situation in the Republic of Moldova in response to the destabilising actions of the Russian Federation," Iohannis' statement added.
Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu called on the European Union to impose sanctions against Moldovan oligarchs accused of helping Moscow destabilise the country in an effort to overthrow the pro-Western government in Chisinau. Later, MEP Siegfried Mureșan told Radio Moldova in an interview that the European Union will amend and expand its sanctions regime so that those who instigate violations of the democratic order and use illicit resources for destabilisation attempts will be included in the bloc's sanctions lists, while EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the European Union is considering setting up a civilian mission in Moldova to support it and deal with interference and destabilisation efforts.
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has recently stated that the Russian Federation is allegedly aiming to destabilise the Republic of Moldova and to change the power in Chisinau.
The President of the European Council is on an official visit to Bucharest today, 27 March. Tomorrow, 28 March, the European official will also visit the Republic of Moldova. In Chisinau, Charles Michel will meet President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu.
