Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, argues that the European Union represents for the Republic of Moldova the guarantee of a democratic and prosperous future, but also a space where the rule of law, human rights and a functioning market economy are not just ideals, but tangible realities, IPN reports.
"For the Republic of Moldova, the European Union means economic opportunity, stable and well-paid jobs, dignity, quality services - in education, health, administration," the official said in an interview with IPN.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Moldova's progress on the path to European accession is already being noted in Western chancelleries.
"All our European partners, without exception, are supporting us in the process of institutional consolidation, in preparing for harmonization of legislation and negotiation of the 33 accession chapters," says Popsoi.
The deputy prime minister argues that the weak links in this process lie primarily in the justice system, the fight against corruption and the strengthening of state institutions. Although there have been considerable successes, structural reforms are moving slowly and resistance from some interest groups remains significant.
"We know that we still have work to do - reforms take time, institutions need to be strengthened, the economy needs to become more competitive," the deputy prime minister emphasizes.
In the current geopolitical context, when Russia's aggression against Ukraine has rewritten Europe's security priorities, accelerating Moldova's integration becomes a strategic issue for the EU as well. The Deputy Prime Minister says that "only within the European space can we benefit from modern standards of living, while in the Eastern space - with regret - the so-called 'Russian world' brings only destruction and suffering".
"The European Union is the guarantee of a decent life for citizens. It is not perfect - no family is - but it is a community of values, solidarity and mutual responsibility", concluded Mihai Popsoi.
With a population of nearly half a billion and considerable purchasing power, the EU is the world's most powerful economic engine. Moldova's membership would mean prosperity and security. Mihai Popșoi expressed his confidence that more and more citizens would support this move, stressing that although Moldova is already European, it needs to formally legalize this status through membership.
