Romanian President Klaus Iohannis told Moldovan citizens at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Bulboaca on 1 June that they are not alone in facing the geostrategic challenges facing our country and said that EU partners must make their support more visible to Moldovan citizens. According to Iohannis, strengthening Moldova also means strengthening Europe’s strategic resilience.

“I am pleased to participate in this second European Political Community Summit, especially because we are here in Moldova. This says a lot about Moldova’s European vocation and the seriousness of its reform efforts needed for EU accession. It also shows the focus on the whole Eastern neighbourhood and the whole Black Sea region. We need to be increasingly aware of the geostrategic challenges that countries such as Ukraine and Moldova face. (…) These states have chosen democratic steps to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, echoing the values that have always underpinned our freedom and democracy. I pay tribute to the leaders in Chisinau who face great challenges. Firstly, the reforms needed for EU integration and, secondly, countering the hybrid threats that seek to derail Moldova from stability and resilience. Romania has offered solid support to help them meet these challenges.

(…) Let me address all citizens of Moldova. You are not alone. The EU and other partners are here for Moldova. Strengthening Moldova also means strengthening Europe’s strategic resilience. We need to make our support more visible to the citizens of Moldova. They need to see concrete improvements in their daily lives. It is essential for a success story in Moldova. Our Summit must strongly reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people in fighting Russian aggression and rebuilding a peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter. It must also be a reflection of our common ability to make progress towards peace, stability and democracy in Europe and beyond”, said the President of Romania at the EPC Summit in Bulboaca.

Today, 1 June 2023, Moldova hosts the European Political Community Summit. The event brings together, for the first time, 48 European presidents, prime ministers and senior officials. The summit takes place at Mimi Castle in the village of Bulboaca, Anenii Noi district, about 35 kilometres from Chisinau. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski is also taking part.