“I am very proud to announce the official opening of the European Parliament Office in Chisinau, which is a clear signal of our commitment to the Eastern Partnership countries and Moldova’s path towards the European Union. This office will be here, on the spot, every day, by your side, supporting and helping you in all your endeavors,” Roberta Metsola said.
In her speech at the Moldovan Parliament, Metsola reiterated the European Parliament’s full support for the authorities in Chisinau and its commitment to the country’s European integration.
“Moldova’s future is European, which means that you will never be alone on this path, no matter how difficult it may be. You have all my support in this respect. The European Parliament will do everything necessary to stay by your side on this path, in your efforts to become a member of the European Union. And it is not only about political support, although it is important,” the President of the European Parliament emphasized.
Metzola presented a copy of the agreement, which she described as “historic”, noting that it takes the partnership between Moldova and the European Union to a new level.
“Enlargement was, is and will be our strongest geopolitical tool, especially in the current strategic realities. An enlarged European Union is based on clear objectives and clear merits. The best investment is an investment in peace, security and prosperity on the European continent. The European Union needs Moldova as much as Moldova needs the European Union”, Roberta Metsola concluded.
At the same time, the parliamentary opposition demanded an audit of the European funds received by Moldova.
“We appeal to the European Union to verify the European funds that came here to Moldova. We need transparency. European money is not the money of Mrs. Metsola or Mrs. Ursula, it is the money of European Union citizens,” said Alexandru Vershinin, MP of the “Democrația Acasă” party.
On Friday, the President of the European Parliament also met with President Maia Sandu. At a press conference following the meeting, the head of state thanked the European Parliament for its consistent partnership.
“We will continue to work with ambition and perseverance and we are confident that the pace will remain resolute on both sides. We continue to count on your support in Moldova’s efforts, which we consider vital for our country,” Maia Sandu said.
She also said that today Moldova is “modernizing, strengthening its institutions, building bridges, roads and power lines that connect us to the European Union and make us stronger”:
“We are integrating our economy into the European market and preparing the country for EU accession,” Sandu concluded.
This is not Metsola’s first visit to Chisinau. In June 2023, she took part in the European Political Community Summit, which was held in Moldova with the participation of about 50 heads of state and government.
