Roberta Metsola in Chișinău: European future no longer dream, but reality

The European future of Moldova is no longer a dream, but a reality happening now. This message was delivered today in Chișinău by President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, who praised the remarkable progress achieved by our country and reaffirmed support for the European path.

In a press conference held together with head of state Maia Sandu, Roberta Metsola stated that her presence in Chișinău is a signal of the European Parliament's continued support for Moldova and its European path.


'My presence is a signal of the European Parliament's continuous support for Moldova and for your inevitable European path. This is exactly the moment we are watching daily and we certainly do not want you to stop this momentum,' the official said.


The President of the European Parliament congratulated the citizens of our country on the historical results obtained in the latest electoral exercises, mentioning that 'Moldova chose Europe.'


'For the third time, Moldova chose Europe. (...) Despite misinformation, malicious attacks, despite all interferences, you stood firm. I congratulate you for this resilience: the authorities, civil society, independent media, and you, Maia, a symbol of your country's European dreams. I am convinced that the country will remain firm in this belief. Indeed, the European future is no longer a dream, it is a reality happening now,' stated Roberta Metsola.


The official mentioned that the European Union is a hope for more opportunities, evidenced by the histories of countries that have previously joined and experienced significant changes.


'The European Union is a hope for more opportunities. I remember this from my country of origin's European path, the remarkable changes seen as a result of joining, and we continue to believe that your country will also take the next steps towards a European future now,' said the President of the European Parliament.


Roberta Metsola noted that negotiations are set to begin for our country’s accession to the EU and assured that the European Parliament’s support for Moldova will remain steadfast.


'This is the clear position of the European Parliament and the message I brought this morning for your Parliament. It is also the message I convey each time to the European Council and European leaders. Let me assure you that the European Parliament's support for Moldova will remain absolutely unwavering. (...) Every time we make decisions regarding financial support for your country in a very swift manner, we are very proud that this happens to bring you tangible results,' the official emphasized.


Roberta Metsola added that the best way to support Moldova is by opening a European Parliament liaison office in Chișinău. 'This is truly a long-term commitment. We aim to deliver results. We will listen to you, we will hear you, and we will continue to support you on the path towards EU membership,' concluded Roberta Metsola.

Head of state Maia Sandu welcomed the presence of the President of the European Parliament in Chișinău.


'Roberta, I am glad to once again say 'welcome back to Chișinău'. Your last visit took place on a memorable day for us, at the National Assembly 'European Moldova.' Tens of thousands of people came to the Square then to declare their wish for Moldova to become part of the European family. You confirmed back then that Moldova is Europe and Europe is Moldova. Since then, Moldovans have chosen Europe again and again. In the presidential elections, in the referendum anchoring the European path in the Constitution, and this year in September, in the parliamentary elections,' Maia Sandu said.


The President declared that Moldova will continue its efforts on the European path so that citizens feel the benefits of getting closer to the European Union.


'We will continue to work ambitiously and seriously, and we trust that the pace will remain resolute on both sides. We further rely on your support, on the European Parliament's support, in this significant effort for us, for Moldova, but vital for the freedom and well-being of our citizens,' stated Maia Sandu.


The head of state pointed out that the new parliament, with a clear pro-European mandate, has the responsibility to complete Moldova's preparation process for joining the European Union.


'Your message today in Moldova's Parliament was very clear. The European Parliament will do everything for Moldova to become part of the European family,' Maia Sandu emphasized.


The President expressed gratitude to the European Union for all the support provided to our country so far.


'Thank you very much for your support. Thanks to the European Parliament and all the MEPs for consistently supporting Moldova in all these difficult years. Thank you for the political support, for the resolutions supporting our democracy and the EU accession process. Thank you for the financial support, for the accelerated approval of the growth plan for Moldova, which means economic development, infrastructure, better hospitals, schools, more safety for our people,' stated Maia Sandu.


The head of state declared that Moldova is modernizing, strengthening its institutions, developing infrastructure, making efforts to integrate its economy into the European market, and preparing for accession.

According to the President, the Enlargement Report published this week confirms that Moldova has made the most progress among all candidate countries; however, she added, our country still has much to do.


'It is true, we started later on this path, but now we are catching up quickly. We work seriously, align with European legislation, and are getting closer step by step to community standards. And the European institutions see and appreciate the pace at which we work. We still have a lot of work to do, but we also have a lot of support,' Maia Sandu noted.


Furthermore, Maia Sandu welcomed the opening of the European Parliament liaison office in Chișinău, noting that it will help us align our national legislation with the European one.

Metsola is on an official visit to Moldova on November 6-7. This morning, the official participated in the solemn session of the Moldovan Parliament, where she gave a speech.

The visit agenda also includes a meeting with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. The President of the European Parliament will also participate in a public event dedicated to young people, organized at 'Spiru Haret' Theoretical High School in the capital.