Vasile Tofan: "Moldova contributes to Europe's security, not just benefiting from solidarity"
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan discussed the Republic of Moldova's progress in preparing for accession to the European Union (EU) and the expansion of cooperation in areas essential to the country's integration during meetings with members of the European Commission.
During the meeting with Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Vasile Tofan highlighted the Republic of Moldova's contribution to regional security, noting that the country is not merely a beneficiary of European solidarity but also an active partner in Europe's security. Discussions also covered cooperation with the EU in home affairs and security, necessary reforms in these sectors, and the partnership on the security of the shared border and the wider region.
In the discussion with Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the focus was on strengthening the Republic of Moldova's energy security and on measures needed to mitigate the impact of high energy prices on citizens. The Prime Minister discussed the compensation program the Government prepared to support vulnerable families amid rising gas costs. Given this season's severe drought, discussions also addressed water supply security.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the country will continue reforms to build a more resilient energy system, alongside advancing the accession process and the goal of concluding technical negotiations by 2028.
The meeting with Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, focused on Moldova's economic reforms, fiscal policy, and the measures needed to align the financial sector with European Union standards. The Prime Minister outlined the Government's priorities on reducing the budget deficit and economic outlooks, tax reform to stimulate employment and investment, and restructuring state-owned enterprises to boost efficiency and profitability. Discussions also covered the Government's commitment to optimizing the management of state resources. In the context of the accession process, the alignment of the Republic of Moldova’s banking sector with the EU acquis on financial services was also addressed.
"Whether in energy, security, or the economy, we take the same approach: we implement reforms that make a tangible difference in people's lives while simultaneously preparing the Republic of Moldova for EU accession. We aim for more secure energy and lower costs for citizens, institutions capable of protecting the country, and an economy that encourages work and investment. This is our path to the EU," stated Prime Minister Tofan.
During the visit to Brussels, the Prime Minister also met with his Belgian counterpart, Bart De Wever, to discuss the Republic of Moldova's European integration path, the regional security situation, and the challenges facing the country.
The two officials discussed Moldova's EU accession process and the importance of advancing it based on merit and progress in implementing reforms. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan highlighted the country's goal of opening negotiations across all chapters by the end of this year.
Regional security was another topic addressed, particularly in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine and its impact on the Republic of Moldova. The discussions also covered challenges stemming from high energy prices and the hydrological crisis.
Vasile Tofan emphasized that the Government would continue, at a sustained pace, the reforms necessary to prepare the Republic of Moldova for EU accession and to strengthen the country's economic and energy resilience.
The meetings took place in Brussels on the sidelines of the 10th meeting of the Republic of Moldova–European Union Association Council, which assessed the country's progress in the accession process, reform implementation, economic and sectoral cooperation, and the security dialogue.
We remind you that, following the fulfillment of 18 commitments under the Reform Agenda, a new tranche of €157 million for the Republic of Moldova was announced under the EU Growth Plan; these funds are intended to support continued reforms and investments in areas essential to the country's development and the improvement of citizens' lives.
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