When the heads of state and government of nearly 50 countries gather for the summit in Moldova tomorrow, a sign of solidarity for the hosts must be given. Brussels warns of Russia’s influence and raises hopes of EU membership.
Heads of State and Government of almost 50 countries are expected this Thursday for the second summit of the new European Political Community (EPG) in Moldova. The idea for this format came from French President Emmanuel Macron. The aim is to improve cooperation between European Union states and other European countries.
Clear signal against Russia
The focus of negotiations at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca will likely be Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its aftermath. From an EU point of view, the summit should be a clear signal to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin that his country is now almost completely isolated in Europe.
In the run-up to the summit, the EU Commission announced an aid package worth several hundred million euros for the Republic of Moldova. On the one hand, this is aimed at easing the effects of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and at the same time bringing accession candidate Moldova closer to the EU, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in Chisinau.
Investments in infrastructure and operations
More than 100 million euros will flow into the energy sector. More money is expected to go directly to Moldovan companies or be invested in the country’s rail expansion. Roaming charges between the EU and Moldova will also be reduced in the future. “My message to the people of Moldova is: we are on your side. We support you every step of the way towards the European Union,” said von der Leyen.
The president of the EU Commission also recognized the country’s “great progress” on the road to EU membership. It’s amazing how fast Ukraine’s small neighboring country is progressing. Almost a year ago, the EU declared Moldova and Ukraine as candidate countries.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stressed that her country will continue to work on the necessary reforms for membership in the joint appearance with von der Leyen. “Moldova’s place is in the European Union,” said Sandu. Her country will continue to work on the reforms needed for accession. The EU Commission demands progress in nine key areas, such as the judiciary and the fight against corruption.
Zelenskyy stake open
It was not clear until late on Wednesday whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would attend the summit in person. Zelenskyy had recently traveled to the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia and the G7 meeting in Japan. Moldova is just a few hours by train from Kiev.
Germany will be represented at the summit by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. It is his first trip to the former Soviet republic since taking office nearly 18 months ago.
The choice of location for the summit is a sign of solidarity with the tiny country between Romania and Ukraine where Russia is trying to exert its influence. The Russian leadership in Moscow is accused of deliberately wanting to destabilize the EU candidate country. The breakaway region of Transnistria in the east of the country, bordering Ukraine, has been ruled by pro-Russian separatists for decades.