Eight foreign ministers from the Nordic-Baltic 8 (NB8) format – Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden, visited Chisinau on the eve of the referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union. Nordic-Baltic 8 (NB8) is a format for cooperation on topical regional and international issues. Guests will travel to three different regions of Moldova to share their countries’ experiences of European cooperation and integration.
After meeting with Moldova’s Foreign Minister, the Swedish and Estonian ministers visited Ungheni, where they engaged in discussions with business representatives, local authorities, and the community.
“We are here for the second time as a Nordic-Baltic group, representing eight countries, to share our experiences of EU membership and what changes may come if Moldovans vote for accession. While we are not here to tell Moldovans how to vote, Estonia, which joined the EU 20 years ago, has benefited greatly—gaining security, peace, prosperity, and more than quadrupling our economic growth,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
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He emphasized the decision to divide the delegation to visit different regions, adding, “It’s important to travel across Moldova and meet people from various areas.”
Swedish representative Torbjörn Sohlström, Director General for Euro-Atlantic Affairs and Security Policy, shared Sweden’s experience: “Sweden held its EU referendum in 1994, with a narrow result—53% in favor and 47% against. Thirty years later, support for EU membership is around 80-85%, with strong backing from all population groups. Being in the EU has made us more secure, wealthier, and part of a larger political alliance. It has added an estimated €30 billion annually to our economy.”
Ungheni Mayor Vitalie Vrabie expressed optimism about Moldova’s future, saying, “We recognize the importance of Sunday’s decision, and this event, along with the ministers’ insights, offers valuable answers to the concerns we face.”
During their visit, the eight foreign ministers signed a memorandum of understanding with Minister Mihai Popsoi on cooperation in international capacity building. The meeting reinforced NB8 countries’ strong support for Moldova’s European aspirations, highlighting solidarity amid current geopolitical challenges, particularly Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.