MOLDPRES REPORTAGE// European Town-2025 opened in Chisinau

European Town-2025 was inaugurated today in the Great National Assembly Square in the center of the capital. It is part of the agenda of the EU Delegation to Moldova which, together with the Embassies of EU member states marks Europe Day this year with a series of cultural and educational events in various regions of the country.

European Town was launched with a special program, supported by the performance of a high school choir, a parade of flags of the European Union member states, in the presence of Jānis Mažeiks, Head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova, alongside European ambassadors and speaker Igor Grosu.

Igor Grosu: Welcome to the European Town, the place where the member countries of the European Union, friends of the Republic of Moldova meet. Your presence here is a clear proof that Moldova is surrounded by friends and together step by step we bring Europe home to us. Today we have the opportunity to feel and taste the traditions, values and cultural identity of each country, here, in the capital of Moldova.

Europe Day has already become a traditional celebration in the Republic of Moldova.

Igor Grosu: Year by year, more and more people honor it, and as we proceed on our European path, this day acquires a deeper significance. Things have changed a lot in recent years. Not long ago, who would have believed that the Republic of Moldova would officially become a candidate state for joining the EU and that we would start negotiations. Since November last year, integration into the EU has been the strategic objective of the Republic of Moldova, already enshrined in the Constitution. Your special merit lies here, dear Moldovans and dear friends, who have strived to hold the referendum. We know it was not a simple process, but I firmly believe in the European future of our country and act resolutely. It is a huge effort, but Moldovans are a hardworking and determined people. We aim to complete all necessary procedures for accession by 2028. In 2028, we will succeed! Let's go, Moldova! Let one thing be clear: European integration is not someone's whim, it is the way we can ensure lasting peace and prosperity for all. These values for which our grandparents and great-grandparents fought so that we could live in peace, freedom, and prosperity. It is our duty to defend these hard-won ideals and remain united in the service of all our citizens. We are living a historic moment. This chance was given to us due to the choice of our people, and we have the duty to fully value it for our parents and grandparents who in the '90s brought us independence and spoke first about a united Europe, but also for our children and grandchildren who deserve to live in a better, safer and more beautiful world. Congratulations, Europe! We, the Moldovans, are coming with confident steps! 

“Peace, prosperity, dignity – You are Europe!”

Activities planned throughout May - Peace, prosperity, dignity – You are Europe! will highlight the culture and values of the European Union, as well as the assistance provided by the EU and its member states in the spirit of Team Europe, for the benefit of the Moldovan citizens.

Jānis Mažeiks, Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau: On Europe Day, we celebrate unity, peace and prosperity—fundamental values that unite us while we build a common future in our great European family. Above all, peace is the foundation on which everything is built. A country that chooses war, destruction and oppression is doomed to corruption and lawlessness. The war waged by Russia against Ukraine is a painful reminder of what is truly important. Moldova has felt the impact of Russia's pressure—through economic intimidation, energy blackmail and misinformation campaigns aimed at dividing society. Yet, Moldova has resisted. Moldova remains strong. Because it is not alone.

The European Union stands by you! When a Moldovan farmer has access to European markets, when a student studies abroad through Erasmus+ program, when a village receives drinking water with EU support—all these mean real changes in people's lives,” declared the EU ambassador.

This year, the traditional European Town open to the public in Chisinau will include more information and presentation actions of European projects carried out or planned in Moldova with the European partners' help. The program includes interactive activities, both for children and young people, as well as for adults of all ages. European cuisine will also be present in the European Town, and the evening will culminate with a concert by renowned artists from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

Europe Day-2025, organized across all country regions

In May, the European Union Delegation to Moldova, together with the embassies of the EU member states will mark Europe Day 2025 in several regions of Moldova. 

This year, Europe Day celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration (May 9, 1950), which laid the foundations of the European Union. Also, Europe Day 2025 marks the fundamental values that have underpinned the formation and development of the European Union.

Europe Day 2025 will highlight the continued support of the European Union and its member states for Moldova. A special focus will be placed on the cultural heritage of the Republic of Moldova.

In Chisinau, the European Town is organized on May 9 in the Great National Assembly Square. Nineteen EU member states will share their cultural and culinary traditions. Fifty-six EU-funded projects offering assistance in various fields, such as rural, economic, and social development will present their activities.

On May 17, the European town will be organized in Căușeni, culminating in a concert by Pașa Parfeni and Zdob și Zdub.

European cuisine will be featured in the European town in both cities, which will also host a series of cultural and interactive activities for all ages.

Events dedicated to Europe Day 2025 will also be organized in Cahul, Ungheni and other localities, in cooperation with EU-funded projects, local public authorities, Euroclubs network and the European Information Centers throughout the country.

European Film and Culture Festival will take place in several localities in Moldova, including villages and cities, between May 9 and 31. Free entrance.

For the first time, Europe Day in the Republic of Moldova was celebrated in 2010, aimed at consolidating the common values of European states and marking the European identity of Moldovan culture through cultural and entertainment activities. Since 2011, Europe Day has also been celebrated in several localities in the country, aiming to inform citizens from all regions of the Republic of Moldova about the values of the European Union, as well as the benefits offered by integration into the European community. All these activities bring the citizens of the Republic of Moldova closer to the specifics and customs of the member countries of the European Union.

 

Reporter - Lilia Grubîi

Photo: Mihai Vengher