Lithuanian president voices Euro-integration support during call with Moldovan counterpart

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda had a phone conversation with his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu on Friday and discuss Moldova’s Euro-integration process.

Nauseda voiced Lithuania’s consistent support for Moldova’s EU integration, pointing out that 

Moldova has made significant progress in implementing reforms and the European Commission’s recommendations, but all efforts towards progress have to continue, as the speed and success of the country’s Euro-integration will depend on it. 

"Next week’s European Council meeting is crucial for the future of both Moldova’s and Ukraine’s Euro-integration. It is essential to reach a consensus among EU leaders on the opening of accession negotiations with these countries without any additional conditions. This is a decision of geopolitical significance and of importance for the whole of Europe. We need to demonstrate political will and take a step towards a bigger and stronger EU," Nauseda said.

In his words, it is particularly important for Moldova to demonstrate progress in reforming the judicial system and in the fight against corruption and oligarchs, and Lithuania is ready to continue sharing its experience in order to help Moldova strengthen the necessary capacities on the European integration path.

In November, the European Commission recommended that EU member states open formal accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and proposed granting candidate status to Georgia.

EU leaders are set to meet in Brussels next week to announce whether the bloc will open accession talks on accepting new members.