---
title: "Moldova urges diaspora to back EU accession and return home"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/82636/moldova-urges-diaspora-to-back-eu-accession-and-return-home
published: 2026-08-07T10:00:00Z
language: en
author: "Ana Cebotari"
section: "Diaspora"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova urges diaspora to back EU accession and return home

> President Maia Sandu and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu have urged the Moldovan diaspora to actively champion the nation's European integration and consider returning home permanently. The appeal was made at the Diaspora Forum in Chișinău on August 7, held as part of the month-long Diaspora Days 2026.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/bd793bc2-f645-4a8a-976e-a41dfe2743c3.jpg)

President Maia Sandu and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu have urged the Moldovan diaspora to actively champion the nation's European integration and consider returning home permanently. The appeal was made at the Diaspora Forum in Chișinău on August 7, held as part of the month-long Diaspora Days 2026.

**Sandu frames return as vital for economic growth**

President Sandu emphasized that the return of citizens living abroad is essential for accelerating Moldova's development. While acknowledging the difficulty of leaving established lives and careers abroad, she noted that human capital remains the country's most critical missing resource.

The President highlighted how the seasonal influx of returning citizens in August temporarily fills public agencies, banks, and local markets across the country. She urged diaspora members to consider making that presence permanent, framing repatriation as vital for both reuniting families and sustaining national growth.

**Strategic advocacy across EU member states**

Turning to European integration, Sandu described Moldova as the candidate country advancing at the fastest pace toward accession. She proposed establishing targeted advocacy plans for every EU member state by the end of the year, executed jointly by embassies and local diaspora groups.

The initiative aims to build public and political support across host nations ahead of Moldova's target accession date of 2030. Sandu stressed that direct engagement will help clear misperceptions and build a strong case for Moldova's place in the European Union.

**Grassroots diplomacy and local partnerships**

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu described the diaspora's role as a vital form of *"grassroots diplomacy."* He noted that Moldovans living abroad serve as the primary interface for the country, shaping perceptions through their daily professional and civic interactions.

Grosu encouraged expatriates to leverage their standing in host countries to maintain positive momentum for Moldova's European ambitions. He expressed gratitude for their ongoing contribution to the country's international image.

Beyond foreign advocacy, Grosu urged the diaspora to support local development at home. He called for direct partnerships between host-country municipalities and Moldovan hometowns, as well as active engagement in local public administration reforms.

**Broad agenda for Diaspora Month 2026**

The Diaspora Forum at the Republic Palace serves as the flagship event of Diaspora Days 2026, which runs throughout August under the theme *"Wherever We Are, Moldova Unites Us!"* The program focuses on civic engagement, EU integration, and sustainable economic development.

This year's agenda features an *"Open Doors Day"* across 22 public institutions, alongside 31 hybrid workshops. Additional activities include regional cultural tours, the Diaspora Cup sports tournament on August 15, and an interactive City Quest in Chișinău.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**