Maia Sandu urges progress in Moldova’s EU accession talks
The Netherlands has stood alongside the Republic of Moldova against hybrid threats and has helped protect the country’s elections, institutions, and democratic processes. President Maia Sandu made the statement during her working visit to The Hague.
President Maia Sandu met with Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Dilan Yeşilgöz Zegerius, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen.
The three officials lead the parties in the new governing coalition, which took office in February. During the talks, President Sandu urged them to open all negotiation chapters so that the Republic of Moldova can move to the next stage of its accession process to the European Union.
The Presidency of the Republic of Moldova stated that successive governments in The Hague have provided concrete support for judicial reform, stronger civil society and independent media, and efforts to counter hybrid threats, including information manipulation, illicit political financing, and cyberattacks.
“Both countries also maintain bilateral dialogue in cybersecurity and defense, which serve as pillars of an increasingly strong security partnership,” the institution said in a press release.
Authorities also highlighted growing trade ties. Companies from the Netherlands continue to expand their presence in the Republic of Moldova, including in the IT sector, while the double taxation avoidance agreement creates a strong foundation for broader investment.
In June, Maastricht will host the Benelux Moldova Business Forum, which organizers expect to boost the business environment on both sides further.
Maia Sandu’s visit to The Hague forms part of a broader series of bilateral contacts with EU member states aimed at advancing Moldova’s accession to the European Union.
On May 19, the president travelled to Strasbourg, where she received the European Order of Merit, an award that recognises her significant contribution to European integration and the promotion of European values. Speaking at the European Parliament, Maia Sandu called on EU institutions and member states to allow the Republic of Moldova “to move forward on its European path.”
Citizens of the Republic of Moldova have voted “for Europe again and again,” building a European future over the past three decades and defending it in the streets whenever “democracy faced danger,” Maia Sandu said. Members of the European Parliament responded with a standing ovation that lasted nearly a minute.
On May 21, Maia Sandu will attend the Globsec Forum at the invitation of Czech President Petr Pavel. The forum ranks among the leading international platforms dedicated to foreign and security policy.
