Moldova EU accession 'possible by 2028,' says Romania's Dan
The pro-Western victory following the Moldovan parliamentary elections on 28 September has energised Europe.
At the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Denmark, leaders discussed "next steps for the effective accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union" by 2028. Romania’s President Nicușor Dan made the statement on Thursday, 2 October, at the Copenhagen meeting.
"There is great enthusiasm regarding the pro-Western victory. There is a desire for Moldova's accession on both sides. However, there was much discussion about Hungary's opposition to the inclusion of Ukraine, so that technical problem must be resolved. But there is a strong will from the European Union for the Republic of Moldova to become part of the EU by 2028 at the latest. I would be willing to bet it will happen even sooner," Mr Dan affirmed.
Mr Dan was asked by journalists what Romania should learn from Moldova's experience in the latest elections.
"Moldova was better prepared than Romania, having anticipated the outcome. Romania did not expect such a thing, but now, if we have elections, a phenomenon like the one in November 2024 will no longer happen. However, regarding public communication and social media, we still have work to do," Mr Dan added.
Referring to the commitments of European states in support of Ukraine and the security risks in the region, Mr Dan indicated that all European Union countries have committed to preserve this international order and "help the aggressed country – Ukraine."
"Russia has launched a process of systematic disinformation in Moldova, Romania, and other countries in the region. We didn't discuss it, but it's clear that there are cyber-attacks on infrastructure in the region, and now there is also the problem of drones entering European airspace, disrupting airports and the economy. So, the European Union defends the international order, but also itself," explained Mr Dan.
According to the Romanian President, the discussions at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit focused on collaboration in areas such as security, the economy, and defence. European leaders discussed the launch of an "anti-drone wall," which could become operational soon and is meant to protect the Union not only from drones but also from hybrid threats such as instrumentalised migration, Russian ghost fleets, or potential hostile troop movements at the external borders.
Mr Dan also specified that the next European Political Community summit will take place in May 2026, in Armenia.
It is worth noting that the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, was received with flowers and applause at the EPC Summit.
"I want to congratulate Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, for the crushing victory that the democratic and pro-European forces obtained last Sunday in Moldova," declared the President of the European Council, António Costa, at the opening of the meeting.
The statement was followed by applause from the European leaders present in the hall.
"A small and fragile democracy, like the Moldovan one, has resisted the huge resources of Russia. And if Moldova succeeded, then anyone can succeed. (...) We are prepared to share the lessons learned with all countries that fear their elections might be threatened by Russia," affirmed the President of the Republic of Moldova at a panel organised on the sidelines of the EPC Summit.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
