CLOSING REMARKS, INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE ON THE ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA TO THE EU
- 1193 afișări
On behalf of the Republic of Moldova, I would like to thank the European Union and its Member States for today’s inaugural Intergovernmental Conference. We have officially opened the negotiations for my country’s accession to the European Union.
The EU side has presented the Framework for these negotiations. And as stated in my Opening address, we accept the Negotiation Framework as the basis for conducting the process that lies ahead of us. We acknowledge the emphasis it places on the fundamentals relating to the democratic institutions, the judiciary, fundamental rights, and the functioning market economy.
We acknowledge there is still a long road ahead, but for Moldova, the EU is the only path forward. Two years ago, in the shadow of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, on our doorstep, Moldova made a firm choice for peace, democracy, and freedom. We applied for EU membership so that we can live in peace and prosperity.
EU enlargement is crucial—not only for candidate countries like Moldova and Ukraine, or our friends in the Western Balkans, but also for the European Union itself. By integrating more countries, the EU extends its zone of stability to a wider region, strengthening our collective resilience against external pressures.
As we set our sights for EU membership by 2030, some may consider this target ambitious. However, in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its hybrid threats to our democracy, six years is a long time to withstand such pressures. We are in a race against time, tasked not only with transforming our country but also with continuously defending our democratic values against relentless hostility.
Let us all, together, redouble our efforts to make sure that the accelerated pace of the past two years will be maintained both during negotiations and in preparing the EU for enlargement.
Gradual integration is important for us on this journey, too. Access to the Internal Market not only contributes to our economic development, but also enables our people and businesses to truly feel the effects of the advantages of being part of the European family even before accession.
It is important to mention that we do not expect any shortcuts and we are fully aware that the lion’s share of the work ahead rests on our shoulders; yet we know and appreciate that the next generations would not judge us kindly, if we would not avail ourselves of the historical opportunity, of the hand that has been stretched out to us, to truly transform Moldova into a modern, well-governed European state based on the rule of law and a resilient, digital and sustainable economy;
It is our firm commitment to go beyond adopting and implementing the EU acquis - we believe that the choice to join the EU is a matter of vocation, to be translated into unwavering solidarity with fellow Member States, whenever required and whatever it takes; just as we believe that we have to stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary in its quest to fend off Russia’s brutal aggression; we understand the term European family in its utmost literal sense and we will act accordingly.
We must also recognize the importance of solidarity and mutual support. Our journey towards EU membership is not one we undertake alone. It is a joint effort that we undertake with our European partners. Together, we can build a Europe that is stronger, more united, and more resilient.
Moldova is resolute in its determination to join the EU. At the same time, we look to the European Union to be ready as well—to be ready to welcome new members who seek the security, peace, and prosperity that the EU represents.
Before I come to a close, let me say that today’s event is a victory for democracy and European solidarity - a signal that pure, brutal power cannot sway countries, small or great, if they stand by what their people hold dear.
On this note, I would like to thank the Commission, the Parliament, and each and every EU Member State for supporting our aspirations; and please allow me to acknowledge the Belgian Presidency, dear Hadja, for their leadership in preparing today’s historical conference.
Thank you for your attention.

