Statement by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, following her meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Ms Cristina Gherasimov
Republic of Cyprus
From: Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026
25/08/25 19:46 | Speech / Address | Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, European affairs
Thank you for the warm welcome and for our very constructive exchange today. It is a true pleasure to be here, in the beautiful city of Chisinau - my first visit to Moldova in this capacity, but certainly not the last.
My visit to Moldova - over two days - forms part of our Tour d'Europe, covering European Union (EU) member states and candidate countries, ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins on 1 January 2026.
And so, our meeting today is both timely and significant, in terms of symbolism and in terms of substance. Particularly, as it comes just four months before Cyprus assumes this important responsibility, and at such a pivotal moment for your country's European path.
The discussions with my good friend Cristina - and earlier today with President Sandu - focused on Moldova's EU accession process, on your commendable progress on reforms, and on setting out our roadmap for the tangible results we will work to achieve together, hand-in-hand, during the Cyprus Presidency.
I expressed, once again, Cyprus' unwavering and active support for Moldova's European path, and Cyprus' commitment to advancing the EU's enlargement agenda during our upcoming Presidency. Enlargement has a renewed momentum and we need to seize it in a tangible way. In this context, we discussed specific steps and concrete ways to further advance Moldova's accession negotiations.
Cyprus is preparing for an ambitious and results-oriented Presidency, guided by a clear vision: a stronger, more prosperous and resilient Union. A Union that delivers even more for its citizens, for Europe and in the world as a stable and reliable partner. More Union, more integration. Because, ultimately, the EU is a space of security, stability, solidarity, and prosperity. It is a space of opportunity for its citizens. One that holds transformative power for its member states, for each and every citizen.
Enlargement is an integral, indispensable component part of this vision. It has proven time and again to be one of the EU's most powerful transformative tools. A driving force for reforms, progress, and prosperity. It is an arduous path that requires a lot of work, a lot of commitment by the Government and by the people, but it is one that is worth it. And above all, this path is a promise of security, stability, and peace. And Cyprus knows this very well.
As one of the smaller member states, at the EU's periphery - standing at the EU's southeasternmost corner - as a member state under occupation, and as a country that has benefited enormously from accession, Cyprus knows first-hand, as it has experienced in every aspect of life, the transformative effect of this process. For the economy, for rule of law, for the daily lives of citizens.
And so, Cyprus has been and remains a staunch supporter of enlargement. We are committed during our Presidency to act as an honest broker and a constructive partner. Together we can deliver progress on Moldova's accession negotiations. Deliver tangible results. Because we believe that Moldova's future is in the EU.
Allow me also to publicly express our admiration, dear Cristina, for the Moldovan Government's and Moldovan people's determination and courage to push ahead with reforms, and to strengthen democratic institutions. Even in the face of great external pressures and hybrid threats. The resilience shown by Moldova and by its proud and hard-working people deserves our recognition and continuous support. In this time of growing threats, the EU stands by your side as a partner and as a community built on peace, solidarity, and security. It is there to support Moldova every step of the way.
Enlargement, as we know all too well, is a two-way process, and it is already yielding results in bringing Moldova closer to the EU - in supporting economic growth, in strengthening democracy and the rule of law. On 4 July, EU and Moldova held their first-ever historic Summit, highlighting the strategic importance of Moldova and its future within the EU. The level of financial support and single market access by Moldova is also historic.
EU support for Moldova is far more than just financial assistance; it is an investment in the people, in communities, and in opportunities. It is an investment in our common future. The Growth Plan for Moldova, adopted by the EU in March, is the largest financial support package provided to the country by the EU. With up to 1.6 billion euros in grants and loans, it aims to boost Moldova's economy, create jobs, and support the backbone of our economies, which are small and medium-sized enterprises. It will help Moldova integrate further within the EU Single Market. At the same time, the EU has provided crucial support in strengthening Moldova's energy security through the Energy Support Package. These are all concrete benefits for the people of the country. It means better roads, it means better hospitals, modernised schools, more jobs across Moldovan towns and villages.
In fact, as the EU is a project aiming to improve the daily lives of its people, during my visit to Moldova, I will also be meeting with representatives of civil society, both here in Chisinau and outside the capital. I very much look forward to hearing directly from them about their expectations, their concerns, and the challenges they face in their daily lives. Because the EU is not only about institutions and negotiations. It is a living, breathing project, with the people at its heart.
I am particularly pleased to also have the opportunity to visit villages in the Strășeni district, where EU-funded projects, as part of the EU LEADER approach to community-led local development, are making a real difference to local communities. These are examples of how Europe delivers on the ground.
During our very productive discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov - and with President Sandu - we also reaffirmed the friendly, long-standing relations between Cyprus and Moldova, as well as our political commitment to strengthen these relations further.
I reiterated Cyprus' steadfast support for Moldova's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognised borders. In the same spirit, we are deeply appreciative of Moldova's principled stance on the Cyprus problem.
Once again, thank you, dear Cristina, for today's discussions and for hosting me. I am delighted to be here, ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, and in what is such an important moment for Moldova and its people.
Thank you for your hospitality and for your long-standing cooperation. I look forward to working even more closely together in the months ahead.
(EN/IA/MS)
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