icon

Accelerated European integration stands as an imperative during times of uncertainty

09-05-2024 14:45
439

Address by Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov at the Joint Meeting of the Presidents of the Friendship Groups of the Parliaments of the Member States of the European Union, convened by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

 

Distinguished Excellencies,

Honorable Mr. President,

Esteemed Commissioner,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

 

I am pleased that we are gathered here today—not only on Europe Day, but also just a few days after the significant milestone of two decades since the historic enlargement of the European Union in 2004. On that occasion, alongside Cyprus and Malta, eight countries that had been behind the Iron Curtain until the late 1980s embraced membership in the European family.

 

At such a juncture, it is essential to acknowledge with gratitude the unwavering support consistently extended by European states to the Republic of Moldova in recent years. It is also imperative to reflect upon the remarkable social and economic progress witnessed in countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. These nations serve as tangible examples of the benefits of European integration for their citizens, economies, and societies—undeniable evidence of the advantages of belonging to our continent's larger family.

 

With the formal submission of our application for European Union membership, against the backdrop of Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, our reform agenda has evolved from a long-term vision for transformation and development to an urgent security imperative. This imperative reminds us that the time for substantive change is now; the people of Moldova seek security and stability today, not in the distant future.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

On 1st May 2004, when the first countries formerly under the yoke of communism and totalitarianism joined the European Union, it appeared that the free world was experiencing one of the most significant luxuries a society could hope for—time. During that era, there was even talk of an enlarged Europe stretching from Lisbon to Vladivostok—a vision where enlargement seemed inevitable, driven not by necessity but by opportunity and the passage of time.

 

However, that vision did not materialize, and time is now running short. Discussing European Union enlargement in terms extending beyond February 2022 is no longer feasible. Nevertheless, this does not imply that we should compromise on the criteria for admitting new members. On the contrary, the values cherished by the founding fathers of the European Coal and Steel Community—essential for ensuring peace and prosperity in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands—are more pertinent than ever.

 

It is imperative to uphold democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms in all current and prospective Member States. The Republic of Moldova is not seeking shortcuts; rather, we aspire to uphold the standards that have underpinned the success and legitimacy of the European Union. Our ambition is to match the level of those who, before us, laid the foundation for this unparalleled project on the global stage.

 

We firmly believe in admitting new members based on merit. Even though current circumstances may necessitate swifter action, we refuse to compromise the quality and depth of the reforms we have proposed. Our foremost priority is reforming for the benefit of our citizens, the people of Moldova, who seek effective governance and administration, high-quality public services, fair justice, adequate social protection, and a robust and competitive economy capable of creating well-paying jobs.

 

There are valuable lessons to be gleaned from others' experiences. With your support, including that of the distinguished guests present today, friends of the Republic of Moldova, we are confident that we can expedite the learning process and glean the best practices and insights from EU membership. We look with admiration at the remarkable progress made by countries like Ireland and Greece following their accession to what was then known as the European Community. Similarly, the accession of nations such as Austria, Denmark, and Sweden demonstrates that even countries with strong pre-accession economies stand to gain considerable benefits from membership in the world's largest market.

 

When we speak of accelerated integration, it is not because we seek to bypass the steps others have undertaken. Rather, it is because we are mindful of the date 24th February 2022. We understand the challenges of living in a grey area, vulnerable to energy coercion, as well as the perils of hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, and attempts to manipulate democratic processes. We are acutely aware of the daily assaults on the freely expressed will of our citizens—a direct assault on our European trajectory.

 

Despite these challenges, we persist, concurrently advancing the reforms essential to bringing us closer to EU membership. However, we urgently require a tangible timeframe within which these efforts yield results through accession to the European Union. Only then will our citizens feel secure, and we can, without trepidation for the future, become steadfast providers of stability and prosperity for our continent.

 

 

Esteemed friends,

Your presence today in Chisinau, within the halls of Parliament, brings us great joy, honour, and responsibility. We understand that membership in the European Union entails not only the opportunity for peace and development but also a commitment to contribute to the security and prosperity of all Member States.

 

We recognize that embarking on this path means not only expecting solidarity from European citizens but also demonstrating our solidarity with their needs, thereby fostering a stronger and more sustainable Union.

 

From the moment we submitted our membership application to the historic decision to commence accession negotiations, we have consistently shown that we can pursue reform and change swiftly and profoundly. The political support and assistance from the EU and its Member States, for which we are immensely grateful, have translated into tangible progress and the fortification of our institutions. With the assistance of our allies across the continent, I am confident that our journey towards European integration will not only be successful but also expedited.

 

I am firmly convinced that in the near future, we will commemorate Europe Day here in Chisinau as a Member State, alongside you, who have stood by us since the inception of our voyage towards the European Union.

 

Thank you.

Agenda

December 2023

M T W T F S S
 
 
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
 
18
 
19
 
20
 
21
 
22
 
23
 
24
 
25
 
26
 
27
 
28
 
29
 
30
 
31