The EU summit in Moldova should send a signal of solidarity to the host. Commission President Van der Leyen acknowledged the republic’s “great progress” on its path to joining the EU.
Heads of state and government from nearly 50 countries are expected this Thursday for the second summit of the new European Political Community (EPG) in Moldova. The idea for this design came from French President Emmanuel Macron. Its aim is to promote cooperation between EU countries and other European countries.
A clear signal against Russia
The talks at Mimi Castle in Bulboca will focus on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences. From the EU’s point of view, the summit should be a clear sign to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin that his country is now completely isolated in Europe.
Ahead of the summit, the EU Commission announced an aid package worth several hundred million euros to the Republic of Moldova. On the one hand, it is intended to mitigate the effects of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, while bringing Moldova closer to the EU, EU Commission President Ursula van der Leyen said in Chisinau.
Investments in infrastructure and operations
More than 100 million euros have flowed into the energy sector. And the money should go directly to Moldovan companies or be invested in the country’s rail expansion. Roaming charges between the EU and Moldova will also be reduced in the future. “My message to the people of Moldova: we stand by you. We support you every step towards the EU,” Van der Leyen said.
The head of the EU Commission also acknowledged the country’s “great progress” on its path to EU membership. It’s amazing how quickly our little neighbor, Ukraine, is progressing. Almost a year ago, the European Union declared Moldova and Ukraine as candidate countries.
Moldova’s President Mia Sandu insisted her country would continue to work on the reforms needed to join Van der Leyen in a joint venture. “Moldova’s place is in the European Union,” Sandu said. Your country will continue to work on the necessary reforms for accession. The EU Commission calls for progress in nine key areas, such as the justice system and the fight against corruption.
Zelenskyj participation was opened
It was unclear as of Wednesday evening whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would personally attend the summit. Selenskij recently visited the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia and the G7 meeting in Japan. Moldova is only a few hours by train from Kyiv.
The summit will be attended by Germany’s representative, Olaf Scholz. It was his first visit to the former Soviet republic since he took office nearly 18 months ago.
The choice of the summit location is a signal of solidarity with the small country between Romania and Ukraine, where Russia is trying to exert its influence. The Russian leadership in Moscow has been accused of deliberately seeking to destabilize the EU candidate country. The breakaway region of Transnistria, in the east of the country on the Ukrainian border, has been ruled by pro-Russian separatists for decades.
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