President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu visited Strasbourg on May 19, where she received the European Order of Merit, an award established by the European Parliament on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. The European Parliament awards the distinction to personalities who significantly promote European values and strengthen the European project.
During a press conference in Strasbourg alongside the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Maia Sandu declared that the Republic of Moldova is ready to begin accession negotiations with the European Union.
“I feel deeply honored to receive the European Order of Merit. This honor belongs to the people of the Republic of Moldova, to those who chose Europe at the ballot box, to those who defended this choice when it was not easy, and to those who carry out the difficult daily work of reform because they believe in a better future. We want to move forward, and we are ready to open negotiations on all clusters. Both the Commission and the Council confirm that we are ready. Moldova fulfills its commitments step by step, and the accession process, based on meritocracy, requires effort from both sides,” Maia Sandu said.
Roberta Metsola stated that the European Parliament will continue to support Chișinău and that it supports allocating sufficient pre-accession funds to the Republic of Moldova in the future EU budget.
“If we invest in Moldova today, we invest in the Europe of tomorrow. Enlargement remains a merit-based process. If we granted a country candidate status, the next natural step is the opening of negotiations,” Roberta Metsola said.
Maia Sandu continues her visit to Strasbourg, where she meets European officials and political groups during the plenary session of the European Parliament.