Mihai Popșoi in Bucharest: “Supporting Ukraine is an investment in our region’s security and stability”
Support for the European integration of candidate countries, strengthening national capacity to counter hybrid threats, and boosting regional cooperation were the main topics discussed on November 6 in Bucharest at the ministerial meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI). The Republic of Moldova was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi.
In his address at the meeting in Bucharest, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for the Republic of Moldova in its process of accession to the European Union.
The official highlighted the Central European Initiative's (CEI) role in facilitating the exchange of experience, promoting best practices, and strengthening the institutional capacities needed to implement reforms and align with European standards.
Furthermore, the head of Moldovan diplomacy reiterated the Republic of Moldova’s support for Ukraine and underscored the importance of joint efforts toward the reconstruction of the neighboring country.
"The Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine remains the most serious challenge to regional security. Therefore, supporting Ukraine is an investment in the security and stability of our entire region," stated Mihai Popșoi.
The Minister also drew attention to security threats facing the Republic of Moldova—ranging from airspace violations by drones to cyberattacks targeting digital public services.
In this context, Popșoi stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation regarding cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. The official also welcomed the inclusion of priorities on developing digital infrastructure and countering hybrid threats in the new CEI Action Plan for the 2027–2030 period.
Mihai Popșoi also outlined the Republic of Moldova's progress in its EU accession process, advocating for evaluating each candidate state on its own merits and results. "The Republic of Moldova is set to open negotiations on the final two remaining clusters and is counting on the support of the EU and its member states to advance along its European path. The Central European Initiative plays an important role in this process by facilitating dialogue and joint efforts in support of a more stable and better-connected Europe," emphasized Mihai Popșoi.
During the meeting, the participating states adopted a Joint Declaration and approved the new CEI Action Plan for the 2027–2030 period, which will guide the organization’s activities in the coming years.
The meeting marked the end of Romania’s mandate as CEI Chairmanship-in-Office—a responsibility Ukraine will assume in 2027.
The Republic of Moldova became a member of the Central European Initiative on November 8, 1996, and held the organization’s presidency in 2008 and 2023.
Throughout its 30 years of membership, the CEI has served as an important platform for our country for regional cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and the support of reforms in the context of European integration.
