Moldova’s place is among the world’s strong and free nations, and seeking EU membership is a national project that aims to fulfill the aspirations of Moldovans to live in peace and prosperity, stated President Maia Sandu, at a summit of leaders of EU and candidate countries in Athens.

Held on Monday and Tuesday on the initiative of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriákos Mitsotákis, the summit brought together officials from Western Balkan states, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Ukraine, in addition leaders of the European Union.

The summit provided a platform for discussions on the European Union enlargement process. “We talked about the fact that Moldova’s accession to the EU is an investment in our democracy and regional security. The authorities in Chisinau are firmly committed to carrying out the reforms that will allow us to create European living conditions at home”, said Maia Sandu.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the president also talked with the prime minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovachevski, with the prime minister of Bulgaria, Nikolai Denkov, and with the prime minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković.

The participants in the summit adopted a joint statement in which they emphasize that Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, geographically adjacent to the EU, have a common European heritage, history and future determined by common opportunities and challenges. As a strategic investment in peace, security and stability in Europe, it is important that they become full members of the European family. Officials of the participating states have expressed their commitment to support Ukraine and Moldova in taking the next steps in their accession process, when they complete the necessary reforms.