Maia Sandu, at the EU-Moldova summit: "We must take advantage"
The Republic of Moldova is committed to taking advantage of the "window of opportunity" created by the launch of negotiations on the first group of chapters. President Maia Sandu made this statement at the start of the second EU-Republic of Moldova summit, taking place on Monday, June 22, in Brussels. The President emphasized the importance of accelerating the reforms needed for European integration.
The head of state emphasized that the opening of the first negotiation cluster last week represents a crucial moment in the country's pursuit of European integration.
"This is a moment that offers us a real opportunity. Such moments are rare; they appear and disappear quickly. Therefore, we must take advantage of this one," said Maia Sandu during the summit.
The President noted that the Chisinau authorities are implementing reforms at an unprecedented pace and making additional efforts to prepare the country to join the European Union.
"The prospect of accession empowers us to pursue rapid reforms and achieve tangible results. We are actually doing more than what is required of us, undertaking the challenging reforms necessary for our accession," declared the head of state.
Maia Sandu reiterated that the Republic of Moldova will "win at every step" of the European integration process, expressing confidence that the European Union will continue to support Chisinau's pace and ambitions.
"We are doing our part, and we trust that Europe will do its part, matching our pace and ambition. This is how we can keep the window of opportunity open together," the president concluded.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, commended the Republic of Moldova for its progress in the EU accession process and advocated for the swift opening of all negotiation chapters.
"Last week, we opened the first and most important gate—the first group of chapters. Our objective now must be to open the remaining groups as soon as possible," stated Ursula von der Leyen.
The Commission recommended to the EU Council that the other negotiation chapters be opened, emphasizing the reforms implemented by Chisinau.
Another major topic discussed during the summit was the Growth Plan, which amounts to 1.9 billion euros. According to von der Leyen, implementing the agreed-upon reforms will facilitate the gradual integration of the Moldovan economy into the European single market and create fair competition conditions for businesses in the Republic of Moldova.
"It is impressive how quickly and effectively you are implementing the necessary reforms," von der Leyen remarked, noting that the Republic of Moldova has already received the first tranches of the support plan.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, praised the Republic of Moldova for the progress it has made towards European integration. He emphasized that all efforts must now focus on opening the remaining chapters once the political blockage caused by Hungary has been resolved.
"Our enlargement to include the Republic of Moldova is a priority for us, and there is no doubt that you deserve to achieve accession to the European Union as soon as possible. Now that we have overcome the political obstacles, all that remains is hard work, something you are undoubtedly familiar with," Costa stated at the beginning of the summit.
The second EU-Republic of Moldova summit is taking place in Brussels, bringing together leaders from European institutions and Moldovan leadership to evaluate the progress in the accession process and set priorities for bilateral cooperation in the coming period.
