EU Ambassador Iwona Piórko on Moldova 1 TV: “We’re ready to open the first negotiation cluster with Moldova”
The Republic of Moldova is at a crucial point in its journey towards European integration. The European Union is prepared to begin the first chapter of negotiations with Moldova following the successful completion of the screening process. In an exclusive interview with Moldova 1 TV, the Ambassador of the European Union to Chișinău, Iwona Piórko, expressed her strong belief that Moldova will successfully progress on its path to EU membership. She assured that Brussels will continue to support Moldova as it faces both internal and external challenges.
“Regarding vulnerabilities, it is clear that the Russian Federation will not stop. For this reason, vulnerabilities will remain: disinformation, economic pressure, cyber attacks. Authorities and citizens must maintain their determination and resilience. The European Union will remain with you every step of the way,” assured Ambassador Iwona Piórko, on the “Diplomatic Dimension” program on Moldova 1 TV.
She stated that the results of the recent parliamentary elections demonstrated the clear choice of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova for independence, freedom, prosperity and the European path.
“Citizens chose independence, freedom, prosperity for their children, as well as the European path. And they made this choice despite massive interference from the Russian Federation. Unfortunately, this was noticed by numerous international observers, who noted cyber attacks and attempts to buy votes. But citizens had the courage to vote, because these elections required courage”, the diplomat said.
The EU ambassador also congratulated the authorities for organizing a “safe and fair” electoral process and noted that, although the Republic of Moldova remains vulnerable to external pressures, the European path is irreversible.
“The European path is absolutely clear now, it is also enshrined in your Constitution, it is something stable. However, a lot of work and decisive reforms are still required, because nothing makes a country more resilient than reforms”, noted Iwona Piórko.
“The bigger and more united we are, the safer we are”
Referring to the accession process, the ambassador noted the importance of completing the screening phase.
“This is a very important milestone. It sounds very technical, but it is not a technical matter. We are talking about over 100,000 pages of legislation that need to be compared with European legislation. It was a very important process, which was completed in record time, and the European Union is convinced that we are now ready to open the first cluster – that of justice, rule of law and democratic institutions,” said the ambassador.
In the same context, Iwona Piórko explained that Russia’s war against Ukraine has a double effect on the enlargement process.
“I think that, on the one hand, it complicates the process, but at the same time, it accelerates it. It is much more difficult for a country that has a war right on the border and a hybrid war inside it. But this brutal aggression of Russia against Ukraine and the hybrid attacks against your country have made us even more determined. The bigger and more united we are, the safer we are. There is more determination now than ever,” pointed out the Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau.
Higher quotas for fruit, SEPA and modern infrastructure
Speaking about the European Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova worth 1.9 billion euros, Iwona Piórko said that this is unprecedented support from the European Union.
"This is unprecedented support both in terms of numbers and impact. We are talking about over a billion euros, support that will provide assistance to all sectors – infrastructure, energy, economy. The first disbursements are already in process, but everything depends on the decisive reforms that the authorities will promote," the diplomat said.
In the same interview, Iwona Piórko also mentioned the expansion of export quotas for Moldovan agricultural products.
"I was very happy that we managed to quickly update the Free Trade Agreement, because we were able to increase the quotas for Moldovan fruit deliveries – apples, plums, grapes. Some of these fruits fell within the free quotas. We are not just talking about products, but about traditions and a lifestyle. We want to see as many fruits of this quality on the European market as possible", said the guest of the "Dimensiunea Diplomatică" show.
The Ambassador also mentioned that the benefits of European integration are already beginning to be felt, giving as an example the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the Single Payments Area SEPA: "This is a very happy development. Payments from the Republic of Moldova to the countries of the European Union will become much faster, simpler and cheaper. I know that many citizens of the Republic of Moldova have families in European Union countries and pay high taxes and bank fees. Now, all these fees will be reduced to a few euros. It is a tangible effect for everyone".
Iwona Piórko also spoke about the infrastructure projects supported by the European Union, mentioning the Chisinau–Ungheni road, part of the TEN-T corridor, the Vulcănești–Chisinau power line and the bridge over the Prut, in Ungheni.
“These projects strengthen the connection of the Republic of Moldova with the European Union and increase the mobility, safety and quality of life of citizens. Practically everything starts from infrastructure. If we want to develop other areas, we need infrastructure, roads, railways and modernized crossing points to Romania and Ukraine”, Piórko claims.
At the end of the interview, the European Union ambassador encouraged the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to maintain their confidence in the European path and to remain united in the effort to modernize the country.
“Stay with us in this process. We are doing it for you, for your families and children. We are just helping you. Help us reform your country. Even Euroscepticism is a sign of freedom – and that makes us stronger”, concluded Iwona Piórko.
