Moldova's path to the EU: Opportunities and Challenges
A talk with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
Jun 18, 2024 / Vienna / EU Affairs
On June 18, 2024 the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) hosted an event in collaboration with the Vienna School of International Studies (DA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to Austria under the title "Moldova’s Path to EU: Opportunities and Challenges".
After an opening speech by Mihaela Mocanu (Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Austria), Michael Zinkanell (Director AIES) led the discussion with Mr. Mihai Popșoi (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova), who underscored the nation's commitment to join the EU, while deepening and expanding democratic values and processes, regardless of the time required.
Reflecting on Moldova’s path so far, Minister Popșoi mentioned the nation’s efforts in the realization of energy security, justice reforms, dealing with disinformation on the part of Russia and ultimately in achieving meaningful progress in the EU’s standards within a relatively short period of time. The EU and the international community continue to provide assistance to the country which has been helpful in making the improvements towards economic and national development possible.
With regard to the current political relationship with Russia, the Foreign Minister emphasised the shared historical context, which should not be forgotten but noted also the need for meaningfully breakaway from Russia geopolitically and maintaining Moldova’s independence. For this reason, Ukraine's resistance against Russia is of particular importance for Moldova. His country is therefore providing intensive support to the Ukrainians through the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in the social, education and healthcare system, as Minister Popșoi emphasized.
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