Charles Michel said at the Reinvent Moldova 2.0 that European Union member states are more vulnerable on their own and must act together. When asked about the rise of pro-Russian or populist politicians in several countries, the former President of the European Council noted that such movements have increased their popularity over the past two decades.
He argued that EU leaders must remain rational and pointed out that member states already demonstrated unity during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
“I started my political career in Belgium around 15–20 years ago. Even then, people debated whether to expand the European Union. These populist parties gained more influence and support. But we continued to advance EU integration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized the need for deeper EU cooperation, including in healthcare. This requires political will, mutual understanding, and joint action, because we are more vulnerable and weaker on our own.
Different political situations exist across the EU, but we must understand that, regardless of circumstances, we need to act more together.
European projects show that when we face crises and challenges, we become more courageous and learn lessons. Without crises, we move more slowly. When crises arise, we act faster, and we often make decisions within just a few days,” Michel said at the event organized by the Realitatea Media Group.
The Reinvent Moldova 2.0 platform brings together political leaders, experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the European future of the Republic of Moldova.
