European Commission's vice president says EU must continue showing full solidarity with Moldova

Chisinau, 21 May /MOLDPRES/ - The relations between Moldova and the European Union have never been closer than now and EU must continue showing its solidarity with Moldova. European Commission’s Vice President, EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles today made statements to this effect in Brussels. He gave a joint news conference with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, following the eighth meeting of the Moldova-European Union Association Council.      

The European official emphasized that the challenges faced by Moldova had not hindered the country to make ‘’considerable efforts to get closer to EU.’’

„EU must continue showing its full solidarity with Moldova for more reasons: as you are part of the great European family and given that we find out that Russia actively attempts to destabilize your country,’’ the European Commission’s vice president stressed.  

Josep Borrell also said that EU so far had provided over 140 million euros for the modernization of Moldova’s armed forces. He noted that ‘’this sum will be supplemented, as we must contribute to your security and stability, consolidate the democracy in the country and support the reform process.’’    

The European official referred also to the referendum on the European integration, due to be organized in next autumn, concomitantly with the presidential elections. ‘’This will be greatest chance for the citizens to express their will on the European aspirations. We hope that there will be no foreign interference, as the misinformation will only boost in the pre-electoral process. The future of Moldova and of its citizens is in EU,’’ the official said.       

The European Commission’s vice president said that Moldova had become the first country to sign a partnership in the security field with the European Union. 

Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that, ‘’despite all challenges, Moldova made progress which can be regarded as remarkable and will continue in the same pace.’’ ‘’Our country assumed this way and I am sure that, on 20 October, our citizens will confirm, in large number, this choice at the referendum on the European integration,’’ Dorin Recean said.    

The eighth meeting of the Moldova-European Union Association Council was held in Brussels today. This is the first meeting after Moldova got the decision on starting the negotiations on accession to EU.