European Commissioner supports Moldova's EU integration: "You can bet on Europe"
The Republic of Moldova is a dependable partner for the European Union, and the next step is to enhance its civil and social protection systems. European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib made this statement during her first official visit to Chisinau. She commended Moldova for effectively managing the refugee crisis and acknowledged Moldovan rescuers' contributions to European missions.
The European official announced that the refugee response plan will conclude this year, prompting the Republic of Moldova and the European Union to establish a new support mechanism. Since 2022, the European Union has allocated more than €93 million to help Ukrainian refugees and the communities hosting them.
"Today, we are entering a new phase. Many years after the war began, humanitarian aid is gradually being reduced. The refugee response plan will end this year, and we are working on creating a new long-term system for the inclusion of refugees. We want to ensure that no one is left behind, especially those in greatest need", stated Hadja Lahbib, who is currently on an official visit to Chișinău.
The European Commissioner praised how the Republic of Moldova has managed the refugee crisis, highlighting the country’s status as a reliable partner of the European Union. She noted that Moldova continues to host Ukrainian refugees and emphasized the need to shift support toward inclusion and sustainable services.
"Joining the European Union does not merely mean joining an institution; it means becoming part of a large family capable of protecting its citizens. The Republic of Moldova has already demonstrated that it is a dependable partner in this expansive European family," Lahbib added.
The Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, announced that the Republic of Moldova is shifting from merely responding to the humanitarian crisis to developing stronger and more inclusive social systems. She highlighted that since the war in Ukraine began, the authorities have established 138 refugee placement centers, which have accommodated over 60,000 individuals.
Currently, nine centers remain operational, providing shelter to approximately 520 refugees, predominantly elderly individuals and those with disabilities. In light of this, the minister emphasized that a decrease in humanitarian support necessitates long-term investments in the inclusion of refugees.
“We are now transitioning from addressing the humanitarian crisis to building much stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive social systems for the long term. For us, European integration means not just harmonizing legislation on paper, but also creating institutions that safeguard people’s rights, ensure equal opportunities, and guarantee that no one is left behind,” stated Natalia Plugaru.
Another point of discussion was the inclusion of people with disabilities. In August, the government approved the National Program for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities, which aims to expand access to community services by 30%. This program includes the establishment of 12 new day centers, 40 community services, and six early intervention centers.
On the civil protection front, Minister of Internal Affairs Daniela Misail-Nichitin said the Republic of Moldova is strengthening its capacity to prevent and respond to emergencies. Key priorities include the development of the National Early Warning System and the strengthening of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, which specializes in search and rescue operations in urban environments.
"We have learned that preparation does not begin when an emergency occurs. We must have institutions ready in advance, clear procedures in place, trained personnel, and the ability to quickly coordinate state resources. Solidarity works in both directions. The Republic of Moldova receives support but is also prepared to assist European partners when they need help," emphasized Daniela Misail-Nichitin, recalling the participation of 48 Moldovan rescuers in forest firefighting missions in Greece this summer. Additionally, Moldova aims to obtain international certification for its USAR team by 2027.
The authorities are also committed to contributing to European civil protection operations. This summer, 48 Moldovan rescuers and firefighters were deployed to Greece to support forest firefighting efforts.
Hadja Lahbib praised Moldovan rescuers' participation in European missions, noting that solidarity is reciprocal: Moldova receives support from the EU while also helping manage emergencies across Europe.
At the conclusion of the visit, the European Commissioner expressed support for the Republic of Moldova's European path.
"What impressed me the most was not just the scale of this crisis, but the response of the Republic of Moldova, your courage, and your solidarity. The European Union is here, by your side, every step of the way on the path of integration. You can count on Europe at any moment during this journey," said Hadja Lahbib.
From 2022 to the present, Ukrainian refugees have contributed approximately 1.6 billion lei to the Republic of Moldova's public budget through taxes and social contributions. In addition, they have launched more than 200 businesses in the local market. This data was presented at a recent meeting of the Economic Council under the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.
Since the Russian Federation began the war in the neighboring state, around two million Ukrainian refugees have transited through the Republic of Moldova, and over 100,000 have remained in the country.
Nearly 2,700 people have received Moldovan citizenship, while more than 2,970 applicants—born in Ukraine to Moldovan parents—have been officially recognized as citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
