Despite the challenges and the difficult geopolitical context, more and more citizens of the Republic of Moldova express their support for integration into the European Union, considered the only strategic option for the country's sustainable development. According to Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, accession to the EU gives Moldova a chance to fully realize its potential – economically, culturally and in terms of security – in a stable and predictable environment, IPN reports.
Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an interview with IPN said that the Republic of Moldova has no viable alternative outside the European Union. In his opinion, EU membership is not just a political option, but a necessity in the face of security risks and external destabilization attempts.
"If we look pragmatically, after all the wars of aggression by the Russian Federation – against Georgia, Ukraine, and even our own country – it is clear that there is no other viable alternative for the Republic of Moldova," said Mihai Popșoi.
According to the official, the support for European integration was also confirmed by the recent referendum, even if the outcome of this reflected a narrow victory.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that this support will increase with the attraction of European resources and the implementation of projects that directly improve people's lives. In this regard, he stressed the importance of EU investment in key areas, such as education, infrastructure, health and defense.
In addition to the economic and social benefits, integration into the EU also provides the Republic of Moldova with a solid anchor in the face of security risks. Mihai Popșoi drew attention to the current reality, in which Russian drones fly over Moldovan airspace, while some politicians avoid acknowledging the danger.
"While Russian drones fly over our airspace, the EU offers financial support for roads, hospitals, schools and even the defense sector," pointed out the official.
In recent years, the European Union has been actively involved in supporting Moldova, providing financial and logistical support in multiple areas. “Thanks to the close collaboration with the European Union, the energy crisis - as with other previous crises - was efficiently managed,” said Mihai Popșoi.
The authorities continue to work to explain to the citizens the benefits of the European path and the implications of some of the taken decisions. According to Mihai Popșoi, this change in mentality and cultivation of civic culture do not happen overnight, but they are irreversible processes, increasingly supported by the reality on the ground and by the direct experiences of citizens who have seen with their own eyes the differences between Moldova and the EU.
