Mitsotakis: Moldova’s progress on its European path is undeniable
The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stated that the Republic of Moldova's progress toward European Union accession is "indisputable" and should be acknowledged by European institutions. On December 15, he reaffirmed Athens' strong support for Moldova's European path.
During a meeting at the Maximos Palace in Athens, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova, who was visiting on a Monday. Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece will continue to provide technical assistance and expertise to support Moldova's integration into the European Union, identifying this accession as a strategic priority at the European level.
At a joint press conference with Sandu, Mitsotakis highlighted the significance of Moldova's recent parliamentary elections, noting that they conveyed "a clear message of stability and democratic maturity." He remarked that the Moldovan people "are neither intimidated nor manipulated," demonstrating their commitment to democracy and the country's European future.
In his remarks about President Sandu's leadership, Mitsotakis praised her for "guaranteeing unity while offering courage and perspective." He added that the strong mandate she recently received would enable her to advance reforms that bring Moldova closer to Europe.
Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece's commitment to supporting Moldova both politically and through practical assistance, stating, "Greece is ready to support your efforts by providing technical assistance and expertise for the adoption of the community acquis. This is also the objective of the memorandum of understanding recently signed between our two countries."
He pointed out that the accession process is "based on merit, which primarily depends on the performance of each candidate country." However, he noted that Moldova's progress is "substantial and measurable," as reflected in the European Commission's recent report. Mitsotakis expressed confidence that "thanks to your determination, your country will continue to meet the criteria successfully, and now it is up to European institutions to concretely recognize this progress."
In addition to political discussions, the Greek Prime Minister addressed economic and energy cooperation between the two countries, referencing the Vertical Corridor. This strategic project connects Greece to Ukraine through Moldova, transforming Athens into a regional energy hub. Mitsotakis explained that this corridor "is not only an energy axis but also provides an alternative logistical route connecting the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea" and can be expanded to support the development of dual-use infrastructure in the region.
Finally, Mitsotakis emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Greece and Moldova, noting that Chișinău "holds a special place in the historical memory of Greece due to its connection with Filiki Eteria." He expressed enthusiasm for further exploring cultural cooperation, including the restoration of historical monuments.
