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Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Moldova: the choice of Moldovans must be their own, not the EU's or Russia's and should be based on facts instead of fear

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

15.10.2024

Today 15 October, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and his Nordic and Baltic colleagues (NB8) were on a visit to Moldova, where they met with Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popşoi. Minister Tsahkna also visited the municipality of Ungheni, where he attended a public panel discussion on the European Union with the policy director of the Foreign Ministry of Sweden.

At the meeting with Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Minister Tsahkna underlined that the greatest support in Estonia's European Union accession came from our northern neighbours, whose experience and advice made the accession process easier for Estonia. "We came to Chisinau with our NB8 colleagues to reaffirm every assistance and support to Moldova on its path to the European Union," Tsahkna said. "We cannot go and decide for the people of Moldova and vote on Saturday but having been members of the European Union for 20 years, we can share our experience so far."

Tsahkna recognised Moldova's Foreign Minister Popşoi for the excellent work done in fighting Russia's extensive misinformation and hybrid activities. "Russia is massively funding various activities to turn the public opinion against the European Union and fan fears related to the European Union in Moldova. It is important for the Moldovans to look at the example of European Union member states and see that joining the EU boosts their prosperity and security considerably, and Russia's narratives are baseless," Tsahkna said. Tsahkna also sincerely recognised Moldova for its excellent work in receiving war refugees from Ukraine.

The visit included a trip to the municipality of Ungheni, where Foreign Minister Tsahkna attended a public discussion on the European Union, which included meeting local people. The policy director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden also took part in the panel and together they shared the success stories of Estonia and Sweden as members of the European Union, and responded to questions by locals about the challenges of joining the EU.

Moldova is a focus country for Estonia's development cooperation and over decades, Estonia has contributed to its education and reforms, and developing its digital state and rule of law.