Resilience under pressure. Strength and solidarity for Moldova and beyond
First, thank you, brave Moldova!
When they cut off your gas supply – you did not bend.
When lies, bribes and millions of Russian rubles disrupted your elections – you did not buckle.
Russia is 50 times the size of Moldova. But you did not surrender to bullying, blackmail and subversion.
Your state institutions have shown an example how to effectively withstand brutal hybrid war against your democracy.
You managed to defend “hearts and minds” of your citizens despite massive hybrid attacks and attempts to occupy those “hearts and minds”.
And Moldovas citizens in the elections supported such a defense, which you realized so effectively.
Your citizens chose for Moldovas European future.
You passed a great test.
And you showed Europe a great example.
As your President Maia Sandu said: Moldova may be the testing ground. But Europe is the target.
Now in the European Union provocations are increasing, like the drones or weather-balloons disrupting operations of Europeans airports. Including in Brussels. Or in Vilnius.
Europe has much to learn from Moldova.
First of all, that in the fight against hybrid war, waged against the European Union, the EU cannot limit itself to political statements, that “we are concerned” and later-on that “we are very deeply concerned”. It does not work.
What works - Moldova has shown: state institutions doing their job effectively and without delays in disrupting any hybrid attempts to occupy minds and hearts of our people.
In defence against a real military threat you need to have effective military forces to destroy an enemy invasion.
In defence against hybrid threats you need to have an effective police and justice system to destroy those networks which want to undermine your democracy.
Moldova has shown this capability to destroy the plans of the enemies of its democracy.
One day, when the history of the defence against the hybrid war is written, they will say: victory against them started in Moldova. Moldova is an inspirational example to the whole European Union.
Moldova is making excellent progress towards EU membership.
The discussion is often about how Moldova will benefit from EU Membership. And about the technical steps and reforms Moldova needs to take. And the reforms the EU needs to do.
But I say: the EU will massively benefit with Moldova in.
Also for our security.
In fact, one of the very first official meetings I had after my nomination as Commissioner, even before the formal start of my mandate, was with my old friend, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi.
Mihai, I see on the programme that you are here today. Congratulations Mihai, on your very important job and on the possibility to continue it. I know you will continue to do a great job.
The last years the European Union has supported Moldova in many ways. With over 2 billion euro in support since 2021.
And Moldova is showing great progress, with the possibility to join European Union before 2030.
Together we are fighting hybrid threats through the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova.
Also during the elections, against cyber threats and disinformation. And we sanction those who try to destabilise Moldova.
Touch Moldova, and you touch the European Union! And you will face all the pain of our response!
And were supporting you to modernise your armed forces. With nearly 200 million euro, you are the largest beneficiary of the European Peace Facility after Ukraine. Including for air defence, transport and training. To make sure you have the means for self-defence and deterrence.
You already have the spirit.
You can count on our continued support.
A larger and stronger Union is a security guarantee for the whole of Europe.
That is why we need you, its not only you who need us!
And Moldovas future is in our Union.
And Ukraines future is in our Union.
Lets make the next reunification of Europe happen.
