Denmark’s support for Moldova’s EU integration: Key steps ahead
"Enlargement is a key priority for the Danish Presidency, and we hope to open more negotiation clusters for the Republic of Moldova," said Denmark's Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, at a joint press conference with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov.
Marie Bjerre reiterated that Denmark supports Moldova’s European path.
"It is impressive that Moldova became a candidate country two and a half years ago and has made remarkable progress in such a short time. This is highlighted in the Commission's latest enlargement report. We expect this process to be concluded as soon as possible so that we can begin negotiations on various chapters and clusters. Given the war in Ukraine, this is a crucial moment for enlargement. Europe can grow stronger through enlargement. We hope to open as many negotiation clusters as possible with Moldova, as long as everything is merit-based," she added.
"We assured during the discussions that Denmark will support you throughout this process. The next steps in the negotiations depend on you, and in fact, it inspires us to see the energy you bring to the negotiations. Moldova made a strategic choice when it opted for the European path," Marie Bjerre emphasized.
For her part, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, stated that European integration and the accession agenda were key topics discussed during her meeting with the Danish Minister.
"We highlighted that the deep reforms we have implemented in recent years remain a priority. And this is not just in the context of our EU accession. A healthy justice system and democratic institutions are beneficial for our entire society. This is the reason behind our reforms. Similarly, ensuring economic growth and energy security, rehabilitating local infrastructure and the healthcare sector, and modernizing education will improve the lives of our citizens, offering better opportunities for professional and personal development. These efforts, alongside the concentrated work of hundreds of officials across various institutions to ensure the pace and quality of the bilateral screening process we are currently engaged in, are actively underway."
Gherasimov expressed hope that Moldova would continue to benefit from the support of EU member states, as well as the Danish Presidency of the European Union. "We also hope that by 2025, we will have greater access to programs that are currently open only to EU member states," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
She also noted that "Denmark can serve as a model for Moldova in many respects."
"From democratic institutions to civic participation, from environmental protection solutions and energy efficiency to innovation and education. And Denmark might also serve as a model for happiness, as the Danes are among the happiest nations in Europe. I know this sense of happiness is also driven by the efficiency of the Danish state, which is another reason for me and my colleagues to work towards building a country where people feel happy."
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, will take over the Presidency of the EU Council in July 2025. Denmark has held the EU Council Presidency seven times so far.
It is worth noting that the Danish Minister for European Affairs was a special guest at the tenth edition of the Forum on Moldova's European Integration, titled Key Steps for Advancing Moldova’s EU Accession Negotiations, held on Tuesday, November 26. This year’s edition focused on in-depth discussions regarding the essential steps Moldova must take to advance its EU accession negotiations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
