Spokesman for Moldovan government says Moldova-EU Summit means recognition of recent efforts, turning European support from words into actions

The first bilateral Moldova - European Union Summit, held in Chisinau on July 4, meant recognition of the work from recent years and the transformation of European support from words into actions. The spokesperson for the government, Daniel Voda, has made statements to this effect. Voda referred to the importance of the event in an interview given with ONE TV.

Daniel Voda emphasized that the Summit was not only a high-level meeting, but also a concrete step towards the country’s European future.

‘’The Summit meant recognition of Moldova's work in recent years and transforming European support from words into actions,’’ said Daniel Voda.

According to him, one of the topics analyzed at the event represented concrete investments on behalf of the European Union. To this end, European leaders announced the release of the first installment of 270 million euros from the Growth Plan for Moldova, with a total value of 1.9 billion euros.

‘’The first installment of 270 million euros from the EU growth plan is coming directly to Moldova. Not symbols, but local roads, development projects and support for people and communities,’’ noted the spokesperson for the government.

He said that ‘’the EU is investing in Moldova, because it trusts that we are serious, determined and ready to build a better country.’’

Among the strategic areas with investments from the European Union, there are energy, infrastructure, economy, health and social services, security and defense. Thus, this year, the energy interconnection line, which definitively breaks the country from energy blackmail, will be completed; 600 km of regional roads will be modernized, and businesspeople and farmers will receive more funding.

At the same time, European support continues in the health and social services sector, with two regional hospitals to be built in Cahul and Balti with European funds.

As for the security and defense, Daniel Voda said that Moldova would have modern radars, essential equipment and training support.

‘’We are not talking about the militarization of the country. On the contrary, we are talking about decent conditions for the people who ensure our safety and Moldova's ability to respond to real threats,’’ Daniel Voda stressed.

At the same time, the government spokesperson opined that the Summit had also been a clear message that Moldova was not alone in the face of external threats.

‘’Last year, Russia spent over 100 million euros on attempts to rig the vote: Moscow-controlled TV stations, bought votes, cyberattacks. They did not succeed, because people were united and institutions well-prepared,’’ said Daniel Voda.

In the context, the official emphasized the importance of the next autumn elections, noting that the choice must belong to Moldovans and not ‘’a choice manipulated through hostile actions and dirty money.’’

‘’What some want is for the future parliament and government not to be one that leads the country into the EU, but one that returns Moldova to a path we have seen in the past. This choice must be Moldovans' - all the people of our country - not a choice manipulated through hostile actions and dirty money,’’ said Daniel Voda.

He also said that the Chisinau Summit had brought Moldova to the center of international attention. ‘’We are no longer discussing if we will join the European Union. We are discussing when and how. The rhetoric has changed. Today, there is no EU member country saying that Moldova does not belong there,’’ said Daniel Voda. According to him, the international media spoke about Moldova as a serious, reliable and respected state for its reforms and the direction in Moldova is heading ‘’is good.’’

‘’For anyone, regardless of their profession or the field they work in, the most important thing is to feel respected. Moldova has received this clear message once again,’’ said the government’s spokesperson.

Daniel Voda specified that Moldova had friends and resources to transform the country now, not in ten years, and ‘’all we need to do is be correct and empower this direction.’’

The first bilateral Republic of Moldova - European Union Summit took place in Chisinau on July 4. Head of state, Maia Sandu, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean represented the country at the summit. President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen participated in the summit on behalf of the European Union.

At the event, leaders of the European Union and Moldova adopted a joint declaration noting the progress made by the country in implementing reforms and reaffirming the EU’s firm commitment to support Moldova on its European path. At the same time, following the Summit, the disbursement of the first installment of 270 million euros from the Growth Plan was announced, and European officials said they expected the opening of all negotiation chapters ‘’as soon as possible.’’