The 10th edition of the Moldova European Integration Forum took place in Chisinau
The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Moldova (FES), in cooperation with the Foreign Policy Association (APE) and the Soros Foundation Moldova, and in partnership with the Bureau for European Integration of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, organized, on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the 10th edition of the Moldova European Integration Forum entitled “Key Steps for Advancing Moldova’s EU accession negotiations”.
The event provided a platform for extensive discussions and debates on the essential steps that the Republic of Moldova needs to take in order to advance the accession negotiations with the EU. At the same time, the event focused on the lessons learned from the bilateral screening sessions, Moldova’s level of preparation for the accession negotiations and the reforms needed to facilitate the country’s accelerated integration into the EU.
In her keynote speech to the Forum, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, stated: “For the first time in our history, we have tangible chances to become an EU member state and it depends only on our ability to fully achieve this goal. But time is not on our side. Every delay gives time to our adversaries and Kremlin, which want to see the Republic of Moldova in a grey area of its influence. The window of opportunity may close if we do not seize this chance, which is why I appeal to civil society to support us not only through statements, but also through practical contributions – drafting regulations, impact studies and thematic analyses. The governmental institutions are already working under enormous pressure, the workload has doubled and will increase in the coming years to adapt to European standards. If we do not join our efforts, in 10 years we risk to meet here again discussing about European Integration”.
In addition, Felix Hett, Representative of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, noted: “We live in dangerous times. It has been three years since the Russian Federation started a war against Ukraine, the economies in the region are not in the best shape and we continue to be surprised by the election results. I fear that even more surprises are on the horizon. Europe can succeed if we rediscover and defend our identities that are based on mutual respect and dialogue. I hope that these things will be the focus of the debates at the European Integration Forum to find optimal solutions for our future”.
Furthermore, Daniela Vidaicu, Executive Director, Soros Foundation Moldova, stated: “The year 2024 was a crucial one for the Republic of Moldova – EU accession negotiations were opened, and Moldovan citizens showed resilience to continue European integration, through an active participation in the EU accession referendum. It is a strong message for decision-makers and an indication that the Moldovan citizens are deeply anchored in the European integration process. By 2030, the Republic of Moldova must meet the accession criteria in order to sit at the table of European countries. We have unprecedented internal and external challenges. Correct information based on truthful data is essential to have grassroots support, as are human rights and social integration.”
At the anniversary edition of the European Integration Forum, the special guest speaker, Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of Denmark, mentioned: “We hope that Moldova will join the EU in the coming years, because we want you in our family. European friends are ready to help you. You will embrace better prospects and show resilience in the face of these challenges. The European choice of the Republic of Moldova is one made in difficult circumstances, despite those forces that wanted to pull the Republic of Moldova away from the European path. These forces were involved in the elections, using vote buying and disinformation. Fortunately, they were not successful and the majority of voters wanted EU membership and opted for President Maia Sandu, who is determined to take the Republic of Moldova into the EU. I congratulate Moldova for this.”
For more details, you can watch the full video recording of the event here.
The Moldova European Integration Forum is organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Moldova (FES) and the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in cooperation and partnership with the Bureau for European Integration of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Foreign Policy Association and the Soros Foundation Moldova
