moldova s — moldova s — During her recent visit to Moldova, European affairs deputy minister Marilena Raouna offered Cyprus’ unwavering support for Moldova’s European path. The meeting, held in Chisinau with Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov, highlighted the commendable progress Moldova has made in its reform efforts and its ambitions to join the European Union.
Moldova s: Progress Towards EU Accession
Raouna acknowledged that Moldova has been defining a clear roadmap for achieving tangible results in its European integration process. “Moldova has made commendable progress in reforms and in defining the roadmap for tangible results,” she stated. This recognition serves as a testament to the country’s sustained efforts to align itself with EU standards and values.
Future Cooperation and EU Presidency
Looking ahead, Raouna noted that Cyprus will hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of next year. She emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying, “When Cyprus holds the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency, we will work to achieve together, hand in hand.” This commitment indicates a proactive approach to supporting Moldova’s accession negotiations during this pivotal period.
Moldova’s EU Aspirations
Raouna spoke about the renewed momentum for EU enlargement and the necessity to seize this opportunity. “Enlargement has a renewed momentum, and we must seize it in a tangible way,” she remarked. The discussions included specific steps that could further advance Moldova’s accession negotiations, reinforcing Cyprus’s role as a constructive partner in the process.
Cyprus as an Honest Broker
Throughout her visit, Raouna reiterated Cyprus’s commitment to supporting EU enlargement. She stated, “Cyprus has been and remains a strong supporter of enlargement and is committed during its presidency to act as an honest broker and a constructive partner.” This reflects Cyprus’s dedication to fostering a stronger, more prosperous, and resilient European Union.
Investment in Moldova’s Future
Raouna praised the determination and courage exhibited by both the people and the government of Moldova in advancing reforms and strengthening democratic institutions. She highlighted that EU support for Moldova transcends mere financial assistance, viewing it as an investment in people, communities, and shared opportunities. “EU support for Moldova is much more than just financial assistance. It is an investment in people, communities, and opportunities – and in our common future,” she stated.
Financial Assistance and Development Plans
In her remarks, Raouna referred to the EU’s development plan for Moldova, which allocates up to €1.6 billion in grants and loans aimed at stimulating the economy, creating jobs, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. This financial commitment is crucial in helping Moldova navigate its path towards the EU and ensuring sustainable development.
Recent Milestones in Moldova’s EU Journey
Moldova’s aspirations for EU membership have gained traction in recent years. Notably, a referendum on EU membership was held last October, where 50.4 per cent of voters supported the move. This result came despite claims by President Maia Sandu that foreign-backed criminal groups attempted to manipulate the electoral process to influence approximately 300,000 voters in a country with an electorate of about 1.5 million.
Challenges Ahead
The path to EU accession is fraught with challenges, including ongoing efforts to combat corruption and strengthen governance. However, the support from Cyprus and other EU member states signifies a collective commitment to assist Moldova in overcoming these hurdles. Raouna’s visit reinforces the notion that Moldova’s future lies firmly within the European community.
A Shared Vision for Europe
As Raouna concluded her visit, she reflected on the broader implications of Moldova’s EU aspirations, stating that the enlargement of the EU is an integral component of a vision for a stronger and more resilient union. “Together, we can make progress in Moldova’s accession negotiations, to achieve tangible results, because we believe that Moldova’s future lies in the European Union,” she affirmed. This sentiment encapsulates the collaborative spirit necessary for Moldova to realise its European ambitions.
