Speaker Grosu cites Slovenia as growth model for EU bid
Slovenia serves as an inspiring economic and institutional model for Moldova's European integration, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu stated during high-level talks with Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar in Ljubljana.
The two officials focused on Moldova's accession progress, regional security challenges, and bilateral cooperation. Grosu emphasized the transformative economic impact that European Union membership delivered to Slovenia since its accession in 2004.
“Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004, when its per capita GDP stood at around €12,000,” Grosu said. “Today, it stands at around €34,000, with an average salary of approximately €2,500. These figures demonstrate what structural reforms, foreign investments, and access to the single European market can accomplish.”
High-Level Institutional Meetings
During his official visit, Grosu met with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Franc Breznik, and European Affairs Committee Chairwoman Andreja Katič. Grosu also held talks with National Council President Zoran Stevanović and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Danijel Krivec.
Discussions centered on securing Slovenia's diplomatic backing to open the remaining negotiation clusters with the European Union. Grosu reaffirmed that Chisinau is determined not to miss the current geopolitical window of opportunity for EU accession.
“This autumn marks a critical milestone for us, as Parliament prepares to pass around 200 legislative drafts,” Grosu noted. “These bills will bring us closer to European standards and our objective of EU membership.”
Expanding Economic Ties
Grosu also toured the manufacturing facilities of KRKA, an international pharmaceutical group active on the Moldovan market. The speaker outlined government commitments to deregulate the domestic business climate and invited the company to expand its operations in Moldova.
“Slovenia's experience is deeply valuable for Moldova,” Grosu concluded. “Support matters even more when it comes from a country that knows firsthand how membership can transform a small state with ambitious goals.”
The visit to Slovenia forms part of a broader diplomatic tour that also includes working meetings with senior officials in Hungary.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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