Moldova belongs in the European family! European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to Maia Sandu

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed the President of Moldova Maia Sandu to the European Parliament. During a Plenary Session, President Metsola thanked President Sandu for her courage and leadership during Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, which has a profound impact on Moldova. #eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #Maia #Sandu #Moldova #President #Russia #Ukraine #war #Metsola Dear President, Dear colleagues, We have the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, with us today. President, let me start by thanking you for accepting our invitation to address the European Parliament. We are honoured to welcome you to our Parliament today. I also want to thank you for your courage in the midst of Russia’s unjust and illegal invasion in Ukraine that has had such a profound impact on Moldova. Thank you for the efforts of your country and your personal commitment in sustaining a vision of a European future for your country against all odds. We know how deeply the combination of COVID pandemic, the “weaponisation” of energy supplies and the Kremlin’s full-scale war against Ukraine, have affected your country. Moldova’s commitment to the European project is welcome. We are united in our commitment towards sustaining peace in Europe and to our shared values of democracy and the rule of law. This is why we want to forge a way forward where Moldova does not feel alone. I also want to praise your efforts, and those of the Moldovan people, in welcoming 450000 Ukrainians that transited through Moldova and for opening your homes and hearts to the 90 000 refugees who have sought shelter in your country. We have to, and we are ready to show the same degree of solidarity with your country. As we have already, we must continue to support you politically, financially, and with any in-kind assistance needed to fight the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine. President, we are also ready to support you as you start the process of applying for candidate status for EU membership. We know that Moldova is looking to us with a sense of purpose. Every country must follow its own path, its own timeline, but we must not be afraid to use the power of Europe to improve people’s lives, to change generations. This is why the European Union needs to send a clear and firm political signal that we recognise the European aspirations of Moldova and its efforts in implementing key reforms that bring Moldova closer to us. Moldova belongs in the European family. Dear President, Dear Maia, the floor is yours. - - Roberta Metsola: The Republic of Moldova has its place in the European family The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, had a meeting this afternoon with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. Officials discussed the security situation in Moldova and the region, and our efforts to help Ukrainian refugees. The head of state also mentioned that "Moldova is a European country with a European history - and it will undoubtedly have a European future." "Moldova is a European country with a European history - and it will undoubtedly have a European future. We speak one of the official languages ​​of the European Union, and our citizens have often demonstrated their commitment to the values ​​of freedom and democracy when they opposed anti-democratic abuses in our country," the head of state told a news conference with Roberta Metsola. The head of state reiterated that a process of reforms has been started in our country, and the European Union is the main economic and development partner of the Republic of Moldova. "The war in Ukraine has brought instability and uncertainty to the region - but also a chance to rebuild the balance of power on the continent according to new, fairer rules. The new reality has shown us that we must act decisively if we want to anchor Moldova in a community that can provide stability and development," specified Maia Sandu. In her turn, the President of the European Parliament specified that "the Republic of Moldova has its place in the European family". "We know the challenges you are facing and let me assure you that Parliament will do its utmost to support you in these efforts. Secondly, Moldova has its place in the European family. Each path is different, there is an individual path, but look at us with a purpose and it is clear that we must be open. We cannot disappoint our neighbours who look to Europe. We need to defend our common ideas and values," said Roberta Metsola. At the same time, Maia Sandu appreciated the resolution of the European Parliament of May 5, which recommends granting the Republic of Moldova the status of a candidate country and the prospect of joining the EU.