Moldova's Independence Day: EU Leaders Show Support Against Russian Interference

Moldova's European Aspirations and Independence Day

• 🇲🇩 Moldova celebrated its 34th Independence Day, marked by the presence of leaders from France, Germany, and Poland, symbolizing strong European solidarity.
• 🇪🇺 President Maia Sandu emphasized that Moldova feels like part of the European family and is committed to its European integration path, viewing it as the only viable future.
• 🕊️ European leaders conveyed messages of friendship, solidarity, and confidence in Moldova's future, highlighting the EU as a project of peace and prosperity.

Challenges and Russian Interference

• ⚠️ Moldova faces significant external pressures, including illegal financing, disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks, and the use of media for anti-European messaging, all aimed at disrupting its democratic process.
• 🇷🇺 Russian interference is a major concern, with claims of paid protests, sabotage of diaspora votes, and propagation of hate, all intensified by the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine.
• 💡 Leaders stressed that Russia's actions, particularly Putin's view of the Soviet Union's collapse as a catastrophe, aim to draw Moldova back into Russia's sphere of influence.

EU Support and Reforms

• 🤝 The EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Moldova's accession process, acknowledging the reforms undertaken in justice and other sectors.
• 💰 The European Commission has approved initial payments under a growth and reform plan for Moldova, totaling €1.9 billion over two years.
• 🌍 France, Germany, and Poland pledged continued support through technical expertise, funding projects, and promoting Moldova's integration into the EU market and culture.

The European Union as a Choice for Peace

• 🕊️ The EU is presented as a union of values, democracy, and human dignity, contrasting sharply with Russia's aggression and war.
• 🇪🇺 Leaders emphasized that Moldova's choice for the EU is a sovereign choice for peace, rule of law, and freedom, not a capitulation or a step towards oppression.
• 🌍 The presence of European leaders underscores that Moldova is not alone and is an integral part of the European family, contributing to a stronger, safer, and more united Europe.