Moldova’s president says Chisinau’s EU integration security guarantee

​​​​​​​By Burc Eruygur and Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Thursday defined her country’s integration process into the EU as a security guarantee.

At a news conference with her Czech counterpart, Petr Pavel, in Chisinau, Sandu argued that the EU is not just about economy and development, but also peace “first and foremost.”

“And today, when a brutal war is taking place in the heart of Europe, peace becomes more precious than ever,” Sandu was quoted in a corresponding presidential statement.

Moldova supports a “real peace, a lasting peace” in Ukraine, said Sandu, noting the Czech Republic’s support for Kyiv demonstrates Prague’s “commitment to freedom and security in Europe.”

She argued that the Czech Republic is also helping Moldova by helping Ukraine, saying Chisinau’s security is “closely linked to that of our neighbors.”

“And support for Moldova means support not only for our citizens, but also for the stability of the entire Europe. Therefore, Moldova’s integration into the EU is also a guarantee of security,” said Sandu.

“A Moldova in the European Union means a safe Moldova, in a more stable and stronger Europe,” she added.

Pavel conveyed his country’s support for Moldova’s EU membership process, expressing Prague’s readiness to share its experiences with Chisinau, according to Czech state news agency, CTK.

Moldova submitted its application for EU membership on March 3, 2022. The country officially gained candidate status on June 22 of that year.​​​​​​​