Europe truly appreciates Moldova's persistent work and reforms on the path to accession to the EU - Mierina

RIGA - Moldova's persistent work and reforms on the path to accession to the European Union (EU) are truly appreciated in Europe, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) said while addressing members of the Moldovan Parliament on Tuesday.

Mierina is visiting Chisinau this week together with the speakers of the Estonian and Lithuanian parliaments, as Saeima Press Service informed LETA.

Addressing the Moldovan Parliament, Mierina stressed that the EU accession negotiations with Moldova should be completed by 2028 and that Latvia would continue to help Moldova with its reform and integration experience. The reforms are not easy and require a lot of work, but membership in the most deeply integrated international union brings great benefits, she said.

Latvia can also learn from Moldova how to counter disinformation and foreign interference, said Mierina. Parliamentary elections in Latvia will be held later this year, and Latvia will certainly take into account Moldova's experience.

Mierina also highlighted economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of information technology and critical infrastructure. Business partnerships launched today will fully realize their potential once Moldova becomes a full-fledged member EU member state, she said.

Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted EU candidate status in June 2022. Official accession negotiations began in June 2024.

The Baltic speakers will also meet with the chairs of all political groups represented in the Parliament of Moldova. They are also scheduled to meet Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov, and other officials to discuss Moldova's reform process, regional security situation, and the next steps in European integration.