Support for Moldova’s Accession to the EU

Next month, parliamentary elections will be held in Moldova that may decide the country’s geopolitical future. During a joint conference in the capital, EU leaders voiced their support for Moldova’s accession to the Union.

“A safe, prosperous, and stable Moldova is in the vital interest of the European Union. Peace, prosperity, and security in the EU are tied to the prosperity and security of Moldova. […] There is no safe EU, no safe Poland, no safe France, and no safe Germany without an independent and secure Moldova,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

He added that Moldova already has every reason to be proud of its achievements.

“Moldova is exactly the kind of country we want in the European Union. You are ambitious and courageous, but also rich in traditions, hardworking, and always ready to defend what is right,” said the Polish Prime Minister.

He also recalled that Poland, too, went through many years of transformation before joining the EU.

“For us Poles, the road to Europe was not easy either. We are eager to share our experiences, and the results can be seen and judged by everyone,” emphasized Donald Tusk.

Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022, and accession negotiations formally began in June 2024.

The Struggle for Moldova’s Future

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Moldova—like Poland—has been heavily affected by Russia, including through hybrid actions.

“Stabilization and peace in the region are crucial. […] We are in the zone of direct threat, and that is why we know what it means and why we will be ready to continue helping,” stressed the Prime Minister.

Moldova, also like Poland, has taken in many Ukrainian refugees.

“You stood on the right side of history, even though it required sacrifice and—as always in your case—courage. And despite enormous pressure from outside, you have stood firm—brave, united, and faithful to your principles,” reminded the head of government.

He added that peace and stability in Moldova are important for Europe, because the EU itself is a peace project.

“Peace pays off. It is not only safe, not only moral, but it is also profitable for our nations. Peace is the very essence of the European Union. And that is one of the reasons you chose the Union—because you are choosing peace, not war,” said the Prime Minister.

This year, Moldova celebrates the 34th anniversary of regaining independence.

A European “Yes” for Moldova

The visit of European leaders to Chișinău took place at the invitation of President Maia Sandu.

“Madam President is not only the President of Moldova, but for years she has also been a great political and moral authority for all Europeans who value freedom, courage, and human decency,” noted Donald Tusk.

Maia Sandu emphasized that Moldova has always looked with admiration at Poland, France, and Germany—for their culture, tradition, democratic courage, and the way these countries built their economic success.

“Today our friends are here with us to say that Moldova matters, and that accession to the European Union is not just a distant dream. This project is in our hands. […] France, Poland, Germany—you show not only support for Moldova, but also that the European project continues to grow, and that we are part of it,” said Maia Sandu.

In the evening, European leaders attended a special concert marking Moldova’s Independence Day.

“Dear friends, today you celebrate your independence—the day when you chose freedom and dignity instead of fear and foreign domination. I, as a Pole, also know the price of freedom. We, too, paid a high price for our freedom, but we learned one truth—when a nation is united and courageous, no empire can defeat it,” said Donald Tusk in Romanian, addressing Moldovans gathered at the concert.

“We, Poles, will stand by you so that every Moldovan can live in peace, prosperity, and with the dignity they deserve. Today I speak to you as a true friend of Moldova—what you have is the extraordinary result of your work and your courage. Defend this achievement with the same determination, and support your leader, who is also the leader of all free Europeans,” emphasized the Polish Prime Minister.

Parliamentary elections in Moldova, which will decide the future of Chișinău, will be held on 28 September.