Flag of the Republic of Moldova, flown at the European Commission to mark Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu's first visit to Brussels
On Tuesday, November 18, the flag of the Republic of Moldova was raised alongside 28 other European flags in front of the European Commission. This event marked the first visit to Brussels by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. The visit coincided with the Prime Minister's participation in two significant European events focused on the future of the European Union and the strengthening of the continental economic partnership.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu is in Brussels today for his first official visit since taking office. This occasion was marked by the display of the Republic of Moldova's flag alongside those of other European countries in front of the European Commission headquarters.
The Moldovan Prime Minister is attending the European Union Enlargement Forum, an event organized by the European Commission focused on discussing the enlargement of the Union as a collective political, societal, and generational endeavor.
Under the slogan "Reuniting the Union, Securing our Future," the forum brings together political leaders, civil society representatives, experts, and youth from both member states and candidate countries.
The event, aimed at revitalizing the enlargement policy in line with the European Commission's strategic vision for 2024-2029, begins with a video message from President Ursula von der Leyen, followed by a speech from the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kós.
Prime Minister Munteanu will participate in the first panel discussion titled "The Geopolitical Imperative of Enlargement," joined by Kaja Kallas, head of European diplomacy; Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defense; and Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro.
The discussions will center on the role of enlargement in enhancing security, democracy, and prosperity across the continent, especially in light of Russia's war against Ukraine and the growing strategic competition in Europe’s neighborhood.
Throughout the day, there will be additional panels focusing on public perceptions in candidate countries, attitudes in member states, and strategies for the EU to reinforce its institutions in preparation for future enlargements. Notable speakers include Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, and António Costa, President of the European Council, who will deliver the closing remarks.
Additionally, Prime Minister Munteanu will hold his first bilateral meetings with senior European officials to deepen relations between the Republic of Moldova and the EU.
During his time in Brussels, the Moldovan Prime Minister will also participate in the European Business Summit 2025, one of the continent's leading economic events, scheduled for November 17-20. This summit will gather political leaders, business community representatives, financial institutions, and international organizations to discuss critical topics such as European economic competitiveness, digitalization, the green transition, and cooperation with partners in Eastern Europe.
Moldova’s participation in these significant meetings comes at a crucial juncture in the country’s European journey, making this visit to Brussels an important step toward strengthening political and economic dialogue with European institutions.
