MEP calls for urgent Moldova EU accession talks amid Russia hybrid war fears
The European Union must respond quickly to the outcome of recent parliamentary elections in Moldova by opening accession talks, according to MEP Dan Barna.
High-level discussions on the process are already underway, he stressed.
Mr Barna argued that the "overwhelming" support for a pro-European direction shown by Moldovan citizens means it is Europe’s responsibility to respond with decisive action. He called for the Council to find a solution quickly to launch accession negotiations and open the chapters.
He added that the main topic at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Copenhagen was European security, particularly on the eastern flank, where Russian pressures are evident.
He warned that following the election result, Russia would not simply withdraw, and interference and pressure will persist. He noted that "Ukraine is physically defending Europe," while Moldova had been the target of a "hybrid war" involving disinformation. He concluded that "enlargement and security now go hand-in-hand."
Mr Barna also pointed out that the €800bn European financial package for defence and security is designed to benefit Moldova through integrated procurement mechanisms, alongside countries including Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, the Baltic States, and Ukraine.
European leaders at the EPC Summit, which took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, declared that the Moldovan parliamentary elections represented "a test for democracy" and "a lesson for Europe."
Advancing Moldova's EU accession process, economic development, and regional peace and security were among the key topics on the EPC Summit agenda, which took place on October 1-2. The event was attended by President Maia Sandu.
The EPC Summit is hosted by Denmark, a country which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The platform was launched at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022 as a space for dialogue and political cooperation between EU member states and partner countries.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
