“The Republic of Moldova’s place is alongside us in the European Union,” Romania’s designated Prime Minister Siegfried Muresan said on Wednesday from the parliamentary rostrum, as lawmakers debated the government programme and voted on the proposed Cabinet.
Muresan said Romania would support Moldova in its reform process and European integration.
“We will be the Republic of Moldova’s main supporter on this path. For reforms in the Republic of Moldova, for the development of the Republic of Moldova and for its fastest possible integration into the European Union, I want the Republic of Moldova to become a full member of the European Union as soon as possible,” the designated prime minister said.
Muresan added that he had worked for Moldova’s European path for 12 years as a member of the European Parliament and intends to continue those efforts as Romania’s prime minister.
“I have worked for this for 12 years in the European Parliament, and I will work together with you for this in the years to come,” Muresan said.
In his parliamentary address, the designated prime minister also spoke about Romania’s security, relations with the United States and continued support for Ukraine.
“Our security in Romania also depends on the strength of the alliances we build. That is why I want a strong Romania in the European Union and in NATO,” Siegfried Muresan said.
He said Romania would continue supporting Ukraine, arguing that this also contributes to Romania’s security.
“Ukrainians are fighting today against a Russia that threatens our entire region. The more capable Ukraine is of defending itself and the farther it keeps the Russian aggressor from our border, the safer we are here in Romania,” Muresan said.
Muresan was nominated by Romanian President Nicusor Dan for the position of prime minister on September 17. His bid to form a government is backed by the National Liberal Party, USR and UDMR.
The Romanian MEP also has a direct role in relations between the European Parliament and Moldova. He chairs the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Moldova and is co-chair of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee.
The committee brings together MEPs and Moldovan lawmakers and follows developments in EU-Moldova relations, including reforms and the country’s European integration process.
Muresan is also a co-rapporteur for the European Parliament on the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova, through which the European Union provides financial support for reforms and economic development.