European Integration Forum held in Chisinau

Chisinau, Nov. 26 /MOLDPRES/- For the first time in history we have a real, tangible chance to become a member state of the European Union. President Maia Sandu made the statement at the opening of the European Integration Forum, which is being held today in Chisinau.

The Head of State said we are currently marking a new chapter in the history of our country - the goal of EU membership is set out in the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova.

"Despite the anti-EU propaganda and Kremlin's attempts to turn us back, Moldovans have shown the whole world that European values are our values too. For the first time in the history of the Republic of Moldova, citizens made a decision in a constitutional referendum and this decision became part of the supreme law. And not just any decision, but a decision about our future, our children's future. This decision shows us where we want to go, but also how hard we are willing to work for it," said Maia Sandu.

The official underlined that our country's progress is recognized by the European Union, as the state institutions have been exemplary in the screening process, and the European Commission's report on enlargement confirms progress in 31 out of 33 chapters: improved progress in eight chapters and better preparedness in five chapters.

The Head of State noted that in the coming months and years the country's priorities focus on three key areas: justice, economy and security. "These efforts will allow us to face regional challenges, guarantee peace and protect the independence and sovereignty of our country. For us, EU integration is probably the only chance to preserve and strengthen our democracy. For the first time in our history we have a real, tangible chance to become a member state of the European Union - and it depends on us and on our unity, on our ability to mobilize around this clear goal," Maia Sandu noted.

At the event, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov spoke about the bilateral screening stages. "We are intensively preparing for the screening process of Cluster 2 - a group of nine chapters aimed at internal market, economy and competitiveness. We are working hard to achieve this process at a very high level. Citizens understand the effort ahead of us. It is very important that we embrace the transformations ahead of us and make every effort to seize this opportunity in the coming years. We have the full openness of the European institutions and member states. It is our duty to use this window of opportunities", said Gherasimov.

Attending the event, EU Ambassador to Chisinau Janis Mazeiks said that the Republic of Moldova is among the countries that have made progress on most chapters.

"At this stage we don't need anything fast, but stable changes. Hard work is needed on a daily basis in many areas. In the last three years very good work has been done, one priority remains the transposition of European norms and values. Good things have been done in judicial reform and anti-corruption reform, but more time is needed. A priority remains the strengthening of institutions and effective cooperation between them", Mazeiks said.

Executive Director of the Institute for European Policy and Reform Iulian Groza noted that the Republic of Moldova has been in an advanced process of European integration for 10 years.

He also referred to the impact of the outcome of the republican constitutional referendum on the country's accession to the EU: "The referendum results represent an important step by the citizens, which ensured a clear voice on our vision for the country. The revised Constitution becomes a powerful tool for citizens with the goal of European integration in 2030. However, next year we will have parliamentary elections. It is important to vote for parties with a pro-European approach, so that together with the politicians we can succeed in this huge effort to finalize our goal of European integration", Groza said.

The European Integration Forum is now in its 10th edition. The event brings together experts and important actors in the field, who discuss topics related to the European integration process of the country.