The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Cristina Gherasimov, stated on Tuesday that her country will double its efforts towards EU accession in the coming period, expressing her conviction that the EU enlargement process should be based on the merits of each candidate state.
Cristina Gherasimov made these clarifications during a joint press statement held alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy.
“We discussed what lies ahead for the Republic of Moldova. We are set to double our efforts and continue to rely on Romania’s support, utilizing the expertise and experience we already share with the authorities in Chisinau to advance on our European path. We know that progress will largely depend on how we leverage on this historic opportunity, and we strongly believe in an enlargement process based on the merits of each state. We do not seek shortcuts and we do not seek special conditions. Ultimately, we are not implementing reforms merely for the EU or for the sake of reforms, but because we are committed to building a well-governed state, with an efficient public administration, an independent and functional judiciary, and a strong, digital economy. In this context, Romania stands by us every step of the way, to ensure that we succeed in implementing our goals,” Agerpres quoted her as saying.
Cristina Gherasimov thanked Romanian diplomacy for the “constant support” provided to the Republic of Moldova and for “promoting the European path” of her country. She also highlighted Romania’s contribution to the “historic decision” to start the accession negotiations of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to the EU.
“It is yet another proof that a friend in need is a friend indeed. We have received substantial help from Romania when we needed it most: from support during the energy crisis to funds that allowed the implementation of projects within the ‘European Village’ program. We thank you very much for this generous and unconditional assistance,” she added.
Cristina Gherasimov mentioned that Romania’s experience in the accession process, as well as the possibility “to have direct access to the acquis communautaire in the Romanian language,” will be of real help to the Republic of Moldova in its efforts to join the EU.
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“As President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in her speech at the European Parliament a week ago, history is calling us again. The Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia have made their own choices. They have chosen freedom over oppression. They have chosen democracy over-dependence. And some of them are paying a high price for these choices,” she emphasized.
She also stated that the “brutal and unjust” war waged by Russia against Ukraine represents a “turning point” and that the entire free world is called upon “to send a clear and unequivocal message that the rule-based international order and the rights of peoples to decide their own destiny” are inalienable values. The European integration of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova represents the “guarantee” of peace and prosperity in this region, she added.
