EUROSFAT 2023: European Parliamentary Groups Support Moldova’s Accession to the European Union

The event brought together on one platform European officials, as well as experts from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, who addressed the most pressing issues related to the implementation of the reforms necessary for Moldova’s accession to the EU and the preservation of European values through good governance, democracy and the rule of law.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament: “I am proud that the European Parliament played a role in this by being the first EU institution to call for candidate status for Moldova and Ukraine. Of course, each candidate country must follow its own path to EU accession, but Moldova has already made huge progress by initiating reforms in justice, in the fight against corruption and in its electoral law. Civil society participation in decision-making has increased and the protection of human rights has been strengthened. Even in the most difficult times, President Sandu, Prime Minister Recean and Parliament Speaker Grosu remained steadfast in their commitment to Moldova’s European course. I am convinced that Moldova is on the right path. The European Parliament will continue to play its role.”

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “Moldova is not facing a kinetic war, but Moldova is the subject of constant destabilisation efforts against its democracy. It also suffers the consequences of the war in Ukraine. Moldova is welcoming a large number of Ukrainian refugees. Moldova is facing disruptions and blackmail related to its energy system. But like Ukraine, Moldova has undertaken significant reform efforts, for example in the area of the judiciary. It has stepped up considerably the investigative work related to corruption and organised crime. Some remaining measures have to be finished. On this basis, here too, the Council could then finalise the negotiating framework. And the Commission will report on the progress to the Council by March 2024.”

At the forum, during the panel discussions, the guests focused on the progress made by Moldova, more than a year after obtaining the status of EU candidate country, in terms of the implementation of 9 recommendations of the European Commission, regional cooperation with the member states on Moldova’s EU accession path, as well as regional development projects between Moldova and Romania. 

Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova: “The European Commission has recently proposed to the Council to start EU accession negotiations. This is a new chapter in the relationship between the EU and Moldova, and I firmly believe in the beginning of the transformation of Moldovan society on the path to EU membership. The enlargement process is not just about becoming an EU member, it is about society becoming European, adopting the values, practices and standards of the European Union in all spheres of activity, including business. Encouragingly, this process does not have to be started from scratch. There is a considerable amount of knowledge and experience already accumulated by the current candidate countries and EU member states.”

MEP Siegfried Muresan, head of the European Parliament’s delegation to Moldova, said that, due to the fact that the country is currently led by credible politicians, Moldova enjoys the full support of the European parliamentary groups in all the development fields.

Siegfried Mureșan, Member of the European Parliament, EPP Group: “Moldova’s European course is guaranteed, because in recent years we managed to do together what we did not think possible, and much faster than other countries that joined the European Union. The European Commission’s nine recommendations have been implemented favourably, making up for years of delays. The integration process is perhaps taking longer than we would like, but the direction is clear: a lot has been done in recent years, especially in the area of justice reform. All European parliamentary groups support Moldova’s accession to the EU. Confirmation and speed of accession depends on the pace of reforms, and if there are credible pro-European politicians at the helm of Moldova in the coming years, I think these negotiations could go faster and more support for people, for business could be obtained. Next year’s elections in Moldova are of great importance, because only a credible politician can achieve something from his partners. You have demonstrated that you are acting in support of European values and this has been noticed at the European level.”

The EUROSFAT Forum also brought into focus topics related to energy, cyber and environmental security in the current political context, Moldova’s resilience to future challenges, as well as topics related to the country’s economic development, such as ensuring a favourable macro-financial environment and combating the informal economy.

Mihai Popșoi, Vice-President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova: “I am glad that in its eleventh year of existence EUROSFAT has crossed the Prut, it was about time. On behalf of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, formerly known as the Council of the Country, I would like to welcome you! The cause of European integration is a common cause. It is the cause of every citizen of the Republic of Moldova and, fortunately, it is also the cause of our friends and brothers in Romania and many other friends throughout the European Union. We know that the negotiation process, which we hope to start as soon as possible, will be difficult and complex, but thanks to the mobilisation of every citizen, every member of civil society and every government representative, we will be able to make the most of this unique opportunity, this credit of trust.”

Elena Vacarciuc, Executive Director, Soros Foundation Moldova: “Alignment with European standards not only stimulates economic growth but also strengthens democratic values, the rule of law and human rights in our country. The interchange of ideas within the European Union promotes sustainable development and participatory governance, contributing to the enhancement of cultural diversity. Moldova’s unique heritage will enrich the diversity of the European Union, contributing to mutual understanding and unity. However, challenges lie ahead. Appropriate reforms are needed, especially in the judiciary and public administration, to meet EU standards and ensure sustainable development.”

Tana Foarfă, Executive Director, Europuls “We had, in fact, not just a forum, but rather a marathon of discussions, because we are “celebrating” 10 hours of debates about the European Union. We had with us more than 200 people who came to discuss with the Moldovan ministers, to listen to the speeches of the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Commission, the chief prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, as well as other experts from Romania and Brussels, who wanted to crystallise together this ideal triangle between Brussels, Chişinău and Bucharest in which to discuss the EU.”

In addition to the event in Chişinău, the EUROSFAT 2023 forum will be held on 27-30 November in Ungheni, Ceadîr-Lunga and Bălți. The event entitled “European Union and New Horizons” was organised by the Centre for European Expertise “Europuls” from Romania and the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” from Moldova, with the financial support of the Soros Foundation Moldova, the European Union and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

 Watch the recording of the event (en)