Opening speech by President von der Leyen at the EU-Moldova Summit

Dear Maia, dear President,

Mr Speaker,

Dear António,

It is a pleasure to be here again in Chișinău, in your beautiful country. Today, I bring together with António and on behalf of the 27 Member States a very clear message – Moldova's future lies in the European Union. You have shown incredible courage and determination. That was clear eight months ago, when the people of Moldova took a crucial step, and voted to anchor your European future in your constitution. Now, Moldova has a historic opportunity to make progress. We look forward to opening all clusters of Moldova's accession talks, as soon as possible.

We are here as friends. We cherish your country, your culture, your traditions, and your wonderful cuisine. The Mioriţa, the sarmale, and of course the famous Moldovan wine, the apples, the plums. Everything that makes you proud, makes us proud together. You have shown true solidarity. You deployed your firefighters alongside ours in key high-risk areas during the summer months. So when Moldova joins the European Union, we will all be safer, more resilient, and more united.

We launched together a EUR 1.9 billion Growth Plan last year. You worked very hard, and I have good news: I can confirm that we release the first EUR 270 million. It means a new Bălți Regional Hospital, a restored district heating in Chișinău, and lower electricity and gas bills. And of course, lots of investment in the competitiveness of Moldova. We will also abolish roaming costs for Moldovans travelling to the European Union and for members of your diaspora returning home for holidays. Free WiFi will be installed in public areas across Chișinău, and SEPA will make it easier – and cheaper – to send money between families and businesses.

Dear friends,

This is a joyous occasion, the first ever EU-Moldova Summit. We stand by your side to embrace your European future and your desire for independence, the desire that Moldova has demonstrated since Bogdan the Founder. Maia, you have said that for Moldova, Europe is a dream that must become a reality. We in the European Union will do all that we can to make your dream come true.

Thank you very much.