"The reforms initiated by the Republic of Moldova are vital for its resilience. Moldova has made considerable efforts and it is important to advance in areas such as justice reform, the fight against corruption and the depoliticization of public institutions", said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, during the press conference held alongside President Maia Sandu. Charles Michel also mentioned that the meeting of the European Political Community in the summer of 2023, which will take place in the Republic of Moldova, will increase stability and security on our continent.

Thank you, Madame President, ladies and gentlemen. It’s a great pleasure to be back in Moldova today. Moldova, a candidate country for EU membership. This is a historic opportunity — for your country and for your people. I am absolutely convinced that it must be seized, and it will be seized.

Russia continues to attack the free people of Ukraine. And here in Moldova, you are heavily impacted by Russia’s war against Ukraine. You have increasingly become a target of Russia’s malign intelligence. In recent months, Russia and its proxies have increasingly tried to destabilise your country, using energy, cyber-attacks, staging protests, and other disruptive activities. And we strongly condemn these attempts to destabilise your country.

You have responded to these threats — and Russia’s war — with courage and resolve. And we have full confidence in the government’s ability to tackle all these threats.

The EU stands in full solidarity with the people of Moldova in these challenging times. You are not alone. We have mobilised over one billion euros in the past year to support Moldova’s resilience and stability. It means that we are not supporting just with words, but we are supporting with our actions and our concrete support. And we are ready to do more.

At last week’s European Council meeting, the 27 EU leaders decided to send a strong message of solidarity to the people of Moldova, and we asked the European Commission to present a support package for your country before summer. I also want to thank you, dear President — and your country — for your solidarity since the beginning of the war. Moldova has hosted a high number of Ukrainian refugees. You have also supported our Solidarity Lanes — essential corridors for keeping Ukraine linked to the rest of Europe and to the rest of the world. These are powerful symbols of Moldova’s European solidarity.

I would also like to commend the government’s strong commitment to reforms, especially in these challenging circumstances. These reforms are vital in meeting the expectations of the Moldovan people and in strengthening your overall resilience. Moldova has already made considerable efforts. And it is important to continue implementing the nine steps in the opinion of the European Commission. We discussed in depth those questions, particularly the comprehensive reform of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the de-politicisation of state institutions.

Finally, we also discussed our preparations for the summit of the European Political Community on June 1st. This will be an important political moment to bring together countries that support stability and security on our continent. And it’s particularly significant that it will take place here in Chișinău. I am absolutely confident that it will be a successful summit.

Dear President, I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome. Moldova can count on the full support of the European Union during these difficult times and on your path towards our EU family. I look forward to coming back to Chișinău on June 1st. Thank you.