PHOTO // Deputy Prime Minister at Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Moldova has become more resilient, and our commitment to advancing implementation of reforms remains firm

Despite limited resources, the Republic of Moldova has managed to withstand intense waves of interference and attempts at destabilization aimed at undermining citizens’ legitimate aspiration to build their future in the European family. Our country has become more resilient, and our commitment to advancing the implementation of reforms remains firm. This was the message delivered today by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi at Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.

The official took part as a speaker in the panel “Europe’s Competitiveness in the Age of Geopolitical Uncertainty.” The discussions also included the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence of Ireland, Thomas Byrne, as well as Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Mustafa Tuzcu.

In his speech, Popșoi emphasized that in the context of new geopolitical and economic realities, the competitiveness of the European Union increasingly depends on the resilience and capacity of states to adapt and respond, through joint action, to existing crises. In this regard, the official highlighted the importance of EU enlargement.

“Europe represents the most successful peace project and economic project in world history. Every wave of enlargement has brought significant benefits both to the countries that have joined and to the Union as a whole. Economic growth in states such as Poland or Romania generates positive effects for other European economies as well, including for industrial and financial sectors in other member states,” said Popșoi.

The Deputy Prime Minister also spoke about the progress made by the Republic of Moldova in strengthening resilience, despite the challenges generated by the war in Ukraine. The official referred to vulnerabilities, as well as to the measures adopted by the authorities to reduce energy dependence, diversify trade routes and deepen cooperation with international partners.

“Despite limited resources, we have managed to withstand intense waves of interference and attempts at destabilization aimed at undermining citizens’ legitimate aspiration to build their future in the European family. Today, the Republic of Moldova is more resilient. Our country is open to investors and promotes a business‑friendly environment by reducing administrative barriers,” the official noted.

Mihai Popșoi underscored the consistent support provided by the European Union for modernizing the economy and improving citizens’ quality of life, including by reducing the costs of financial transfers, eliminating roaming charges and modernizing the security and defense sector.

Thus, the minister reaffirmed the authorities’ commitment to continue the reforms necessary on the path to EU accession, in order to contribute to the development and modernization of the state.

“For the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, the European Union is a factor that strengthens resilience and improves quality of life. Our commitment to advancing the implementation of reforms remains firm, and progress in the accession process must be evaluated based on merit,” concluded Mihai Popșoi.

Now in its fifth edition, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, held from 17–19 April this year, brings together heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats and experts from various fields. The event, under the theme “Mapping the Future, Managing Uncertainties,” focuses on anticipating risks in the context of current global challenges and on identifying solutions and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between states through a more inclusive and resilient international system.