The text of the declaration signed by Sandu and Iohannis: Moldova and Romania will cooperate in securing European funds

The Republic of Moldova and Romania plan to collaborate on securing European funds, enhance efforts to integrate Moldovan products into the European Union market, and focus on implementing interconnection projects. The joint declaration, signed by Maia Sandu and Klaus Iohannis in Chisinau on August 31, 2024, outlines these objectives.

The complete text of the Declaration

Reaffirming the objectives outlined in the Bilateral Strategic Partnership for the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova (Bucharest, April 27, 2010) and the Joint Declaration of the Presidents of the Republic of Moldova and Romania (Chisinau, December 29, 2020),

Emphasizing that the Republic of Moldova’s place is within the European Union and acknowledging, in this context, the progress made by the Republic of Moldova on the path to EU integration, the European Council’s decision in December 2023 to open accession negotiations, as well as the organization of the first Intergovernmental Conference in June 2024, represents a recognition of these achievements,

Taking note of the Republic of Moldova’s commitment to promoting systemic reforms, modernizing society, and upholding European values, and recognizing that accession to the European Union will fundamentally contribute to protecting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and the respect for fundamental rights and freedoms,

Noting that the aggressive war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine represents a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, the principles and norms of international law, and constitutes a grave threat to the security and stability of the entire region,

Observing the intensification of external threats and hybrid actions, including disinformation, external information manipulation and interference, cyberattacks, election meddling, energy blackmail, undermining the European path and the level of trust of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the authorities, as well as trust among members of society,

Welcoming the active and multidimensional cooperation at both government and local authority levels for the direct benefit of citizens, and particularly appreciating the significant assistance provided by Romania to the Republic of Moldova, including in addressing the multiple impacts of the aggressive war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine,

Expressing interest in further developing bilateral sectoral cooperation to deepen ties in the energy sector, transportation, infrastructure, and cross-border cooperation, as well as to address hybrid threats and strengthen democratic and institutional resilience.

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They have established the following:

1. The Republic of Moldova has committed to being prepared for European Union accession by 2030. To this end, it will leverage opportunities for gradual integration into the European Single Market and other EU common spaces or mechanisms by the applicable European framework. Moldova and Romania will cooperate to advance the political and technical aspects of Moldova’s EU accession negotiations, specifically through diplomatic efforts, regular government consultations, experience exchange in the transposition and implementation of EU legislation, expertise transfer, and training for Moldovan public officials.
2. In the current regional context, maintaining peace, security, and stability is a shared commitment and vital interest of both the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Therefore, Moldova and Romania will continue to advance military and security cooperation based on existing agreements to enhance Moldova’s defense capability, increase interoperability, and strengthen Moldova’s contribution to international crisis management missions and peacekeeping efforts, including those conducted under the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as participation in EU defense cooperation mechanisms; and reinforce mechanisms for bolstering Moldova’s security, crisis management, and countering national security threats.
3. To support European integration, Moldova and Romania will focus on enhancing Moldova’s resilience against hybrid threats, disinformation, and the undermining of democratic processes and the rule of law. They will deepen their cooperation to counter hybrid threats, combat disinformation, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve institutional and societal resilience, as well as the resilience of critical infrastructure. Additionally, they will monitor challenges to the security of the information space and attempts to interfere with and undermine democratic processes and will work together to assess and address these attempts.
4. The Republic of Moldova and Romania will focus on improving cooperation in border management, combating organized and economic crime, and countering money laundering and illicit financial flows. At the same time, they will encourage bilateral judicial cooperation.
5. In accordance with existing agreements and coordination mechanisms, the Republic of Moldova and Romania will prioritize the implementation of strategic energy interconnection projects, diversification of supply sources, and the development of energy generation capacities in Moldova, including from alternative sources. The Republic of Moldova and Romania will encourage the development of cooperation at both central public institutions and local authorities, as well as within civil society, the academic and cultural sectors, and the media.The parties will enhance their cooperation to develop the country’s energy market and integrate it into European market mechanisms and energy supply security frameworks.
6. The Republic of Moldova and Romania will cooperate in securing European funds, financing from international financial institutions, and private investments for infrastructure projects of mutual interest.
7. Determined to assist Ukraine in managing the consequences of Russia’s aggression, the Republic of Moldova and Romania will cooperate to facilitate cross-border flows of goods to continue utilizing the Solidarity Corridors, support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, and maintain a trilateral dialogue on current issues.
8. The Republic of Moldova and Romania will encourage the development of cooperation at both central public institutions and local authorities, as well as within civil society, the academic and cultural sectors, and the media.

The President of the Republic of Moldova and the President of Romania call on all relevant authorities to remain committed to prioritizing the implementation of the commitments agreed upon in this declaration through existing consultation and cooperation mechanisms.

The document was signed in two copies. Subsequently, the two heads of state reiterated the importance and benefits of the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union. Maia Sandu thanked her Romanian counterpart for the support provided to the government in Chisinau and its citizens.