Moldova's EU path: 2030 Target & strong Brussels backing
The holding of the EU-Moldova summit in Chișinău represents "a clear signal" from Brussels that "we are together." "When European leaders come to a candidate country, they send the message that we want to build here.
We are together and we need each other," stated Romanian MEP Vlad Voiculescu, a member of the Renew Europe group, in an interview with Dan Alexe, Teleradio-Moldova's correspondent in Brussels.
According to the MEP, the Republic of Moldova could be assessed separately from Ukraine in the European Union accession process, and 2030 is considered a realistic timeframe for European integration. The former Romanian Minister of Health emphasized that each country's path is different, but it largely depends on political will, on committed reforms, and on concrete European support.
"Every country has its own journey. There are clear reforms to tick off and concrete projects. The Republic of Moldova must become a secure, resilient country with robust energy and healthcare infrastructure. Funds have already been allocated for the construction of hospitals in Cahul and Bălți, as well as for compensation and other support measures," explained the MEP, referring to the support Romania secured in the European Parliament for funding Moldova.
Even though a common path for Chișinău and Kyiv, similar to that of Romania and Bulgaria, has been discussed until now, the MEP says a potential dissociation between the two cannot be ruled out. He added, "I've seen public positions on this, but I cannot comment in the absence of an official decision."
Regarding the frozen conflict in the Transnistrian region, Vlad Voiculescu acknowledges that it is "a sensitive point" and a legacy of Russia's strategy to maintain troops in key areas of the former Soviet space. However, the situation is not comparable to that in Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine or Crimea, and the Transnistrian issue must be resolved.
The MEP believes that Moldova's integration by 2030 would be a win not only for Chișinău but also for the entire European Union.
"This is the most realistic type of unification—unification through accession. When you can invest, travel freely, and access funds for bridges, roads, or the Chișinău beltway, that changes people's lives," explained Vlad Voiculescu in the interview given to Dan Alexe.
The official also says that the Republic of Moldova should be included in the European Union's plans for rearmament, defense, and resilience, given that the current security context in the region requires an extended strategic approach beyond the bloc's borders.
"The United States is our strategic partner, but Europe is our family. In this family, we must do our homework," the Romanian MEP added, emphasizing that support for Chișinău must be an integral part of European efforts to strengthen the eastern flank.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
