Latvia fully supports Moldova's swift accession to the EU - Rinkevics

RIGA - Latvia fully supports Moldova’s swift accession to the European Union (EU), Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics emphasized on Wednesday, as he hosted Moldovan President Maia Sandu during her visit to Latvia.

The Latvian politician noted that in 2024, he visited Moldova together with the other Baltic presidents to support its EU course. Latvia’s support for Moldova - both politically and practically - has been, is, and will remain firm and unwavering, said the president, adding that the final decision on the official start of accession talks must be made jointly by all 27 EU member states.

Rinkevics listed several areas of practical cooperation; for example, Latvia’s Ministry of Agriculture supports Moldova’s Ministry of Agriculture in transposing EU legislation, the Ministry of Justice helps strengthen Moldova’s intellectual property system, while the Latvian Border Guard has helped strengthen Moldova’s borders by providing the necessary technology, personnel, and equipment, including the transfer of service dogs. Cooperation also takes place at the university level, including at the Riga Graduate School of Law.

The Latvian president emphasized that in 2025, Moldova effectively countered various types of Russian hybrid attacks ahead of the parliamentary elections, and this experience is particularly important for Latvia. He explained that experts from Latvia and Moldova will continue to exchange information on election security.

Our main task, just like Moldova’s, is to ensure that the elections are legitimate and that no one has any doubts about the legitimacy of these elections, said Rinkevics.

Sandu, for her part, noted that Moldova’s membership in the EU would strengthen European security. She noted that the European Commission considers Moldova the best candidate due to its track record and pointed out that over the past three years, Moldovan citizens have voted twice in favor of the European path despite immense pressure. Sandu added that Moldova has reformed its judicial system, fought corruption, and adopted EU standards.

Europe will be stronger and safer with Moldova as part of it, said Sandu, calling on Latvia to support Moldova’s accession in Brussels, at the European Council, and in all formats where this issue is discussed.

Sandu also highlighted practical cooperation between the two countries. Latvian companies are helping to build Moldova’s digital infrastructure; Latvia supports the modernization of Moldova’s national armed forces; direct flights operate between the two capitals; and Moldovan professionals are studying European law in Riga. She emphasized that Moldova is also making its own contributions - Moldovan firefighters have assisted in European countries, emergency services participate in international peacekeeping missions, and Moldova is part of the coalition for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

The leaders of both countries also discussed the regional security situation. Rinkevics noted that Moldova, which borders Ukraine, directly feels the consequences of Russian aggression - drones and various types of missile debris occasionally fall on Moldovan territory. Sandu noted that Moldova is hosting Ukrainians, providing humanitarian aid, and training deminers.