Emil Druс, Ambassador of Moldova to Lithuania
Vilnius remains one of Moldova’s key allies on the path of European integration. This was stated by Moldovan Ambassador to Lithuania Emil Druk in an interview with Moldovan journalists. According to him, Lithuania provides constant support to Moldova both at the level of politics and through practical assistance in the implementation of European standards in economy, justice, agriculture, ecology and trade. In particular, it is about the projects aimed at preparing for the European Union accession negotiations and implementing the acquis communautaire.
The Ambassador noted that Lithuania’s success in the European integration process was largely due to the early realization of the need for full independence – political, economic and energy. Lithuania applied for EU membership five years after regaining independence and systematically worked to eliminate dependence on Russia. In terms of energy, Lithuania completed the disconnection from the BREL system, built a gas pipeline with Poland and a submarine cable to Scandinavia, and is actively developing the renewable energy sector and energy storage technologies. Today, the country is fully independent of Russian resources and is preparing to export green energy.
Vilnius is also actively countering hybrid threats and disinformation, relying on stable state institutions and a developed legal system. As the ambassador emphasized, Lithuanian society is resilient to fakes and external interference, thanks to a culture of critical thinking and educational efforts, starting with kindergartens and schools.
Special attention in relations between Chisinau and Vilnius is paid to the defense and security sphere. Lithuania helps Moldova to strengthen its defense capabilities: from training military personnel at the Lithuanian Defense Academy to transferring drones and participating in European defense initiatives such as the European Peace Facility. Cooperation between defense ministries remains an important aspect, as well as the transfer of Lithuanian experience in public finance, energy and health care management, with the aim of adapting the Moldovan system to EU standards.
Emil Druk emphasizes that the success of Moldova’s European integration will depend on its ability to follow Lithuania’s example: to build sustainable institutions, abandon dependencies and rely on transparency, justice and the rule of law.
