In an interview with the French publication Le Monde, President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu said that European integration no longer represents only a political objective for her country, but “a survival strategy as a democratic state,” given the pressure from Russia, according to Romanian media reports.
She added that reunification with Romania could represent one of the solutions that would accelerate Moldova’s integration into the European Union.
Sandu stressed that the authorities in Chisinau have committed themselves to preparing the country for accession and are working intensively toward this goal.
“There are still important reforms to complete, especially in justice and anti-corruption, but we will succeed in fulfilling our commitments,” she said, noting that the government already sees visible results, including convictions in major corruption cases.
The president expressed hope that political developments in Hungary will help the EU open accession negotiation chapters and thanked France and President Emmanuel Macron for supporting Moldova’s European path.
She also said that the authorities are considering the possibility of Moldova joining the EU without the separatist Transnistria region. “This is a possible solution,” she stressed.
Maia Sandu has repeatedly referred to the prospect of reunification with Romania in recent months.
The President of the Republic of Moldova has mentioned several times recently the possibility of reunification with Romania.
In January, during an interview with British journalists Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, Sandu said she would vote “yes” in a hypothetical referendum on unification. Later, other Moldovan officials made similar statements, including Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. During a visit to Latvia, Sandu also stated in the Parliament in Riga that “what is today the Republic of Moldova was once separated from Romania.”
Romanian reaction
Romanian President Nicusor Dan commented on Wednesday on Maia Sandu’s statement in Le Monde regarding reunification.
“From Romania’s side, nothing has changed compared to the unanimous vote of the Romanian Parliament in 2018, which stated that Romania is ready at any time if the citizens of the Republic of Moldova wish reunification. Now, everything depends on the democratic aspirations and wishes of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. If a majority supports this project, we stand ready,” Nicusor Dan said.