The celebration opened with a scientific conference “May 9: Remembrance, Reconciliation and European Unity”, attended by President Maia Sandu. She stressed that there is no contradiction between honoring Victory Day and celebrating Europe Day.
“On the contrary. The European project was born precisely from the devastating experience of war and totalitarianism, from the conviction that peace and freedom must replace hatred and imperialism. United Europe is, first of all, the result of moral reconstruction based on respect for human dignity,” the President said.
The official opening of the Europe Day holiday was attended by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. The ambassadors of the EU countries accredited in Chisinau were also present on the stage in the center of the capital.
Igor Grosu congratulated the participants in the event and all Moldovan citizens, noting: “This stage is small for so many friends of Moldova. We thank them – they are with us, they support us, and thanks to them, Moldova is respected, appreciated and supported every day”.
For his part, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu emphasized: “I am sincerely happy to see so many people, families, young people and children today. In this atmosphere, we can say something very important about Moldova: our citizens believe in the future, believe in peace, believe in a country that moves forward”.
Iwona Piorko, head of the European Union Delegation, addressed a congratulatory message to the citizens. She said: “A historic moment has come for Moldova – you are confidently and rapidly moving towards the European Union, which is a deep process of transformations. And these transformations are for you. So that already today you can enjoy the benefits of new investments and better jobs. That means modern agriculture, better living conditions for all, equal access to education, health, justice and new opportunities. Let’s make the most of this historic opportunity.”
As already reported, an extensive program with the participation of high-ranking representatives of the state has been prepared for Europe Day. On the square of the Grand National Assembly was opened “European Town” – an interactive space with a fair, where stands of 27 countries of the European Union are presented. Visitors can familiarize themselves with thematic zones for children and adults, photo zones and gastronomic sites.
From 19:00 to 23:00 a festive concert “Europe is YOU!” will take place. The official part of the event will be addressed by Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulidis, who is on an official visit to Moldova.
