European Commission President von der Leyen said Moldova was progressing “rapidly” on reforms required of it to join the European Union. The small republic in Eastern Europe suffers from fragile economic conditions and fears Moscow’s attempt to destabilize it.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed Wednesday in Chişinău the “tremendous progress” made by Moldova in the field of reforms necessary to consider joining the European Union.
“It is impressive to see that despite all the pressures, Moldova is progressing quickly and qualitatively,” said the European official during a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu on the eve of the second summit of the European Political Group.
The President of the European Commission promised to “significantly” increase the size of the EU delegation in Chişinău in order to “help implement reforms”.
In June 2022, the European Union granted Ukraine and Moldova official candidate status for its membership. The two countries now want to move to the next stage of starting negotiations on their accession.
The commission is due to present its written recommendations in October, before member states make a decision expected in December.
“Moldova is in the heart of Europe, and Moldova is Europe,” von der Leyen stressed, pointing to the “touching” images of “drawing European flags in the streets of Chişinău” during a pro-EU rally 10 days ago.
“The presence of all these leaders in our country sends a clear message: Moldova is not alone,” said Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
Organizing the second summit of the European political group constitutes a major logistical challenge for the former Soviet republic, which has a population of less than 3 million, and is witnessing fragile economic conditions and fears that Moscow will carry out operations to destabilize it.
