Moldova’s path toward European Union membership will not be affected by the situation in the Transnistrian region, Romanian MEP Siegfried Muresan stated in an interview with IPN. According to him, the overarching goal of Moldova’s European integration is to ensure security on both banks of the Nistru River.
Muresan stressed that the foreign troops illegally stationed in the Transnistrian region must leave the country, adding that the European Parliament will continue to support the government in Chisinau as Moldova advances toward EU membership.
“Our objective is for Moldova to join the EU as soon as possible, and those who station troops illegally and illegitimately on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, in the so-called Transnistrian region, must not have a veto right — not even a de facto one — over the country’s accession to the EU. The situation in the Transnistrian region will not be an obstacle in the accession process. We will find a solution at the right time,” the MEP said.
He emphasized that it is important for citizens on both banks of the Nistru, including those in the Transnistrian region, to be aware of this. He also noted that around 80% of the region’s exports already go to EU member states, demonstrating that the benefits of the EU market are already being felt there.
According to Muresan, Moldova’s European integration means greater security, freedom, democracy, and a real prospect of prosperity.