“Thank you, Minister Prodan, dear  Sergiu. Mulțumesc,

And thank you to the Republic of Moldova, for the extraordinarily warm welcome that you have extended

over the last 2 days, here in Chisinau, Orhei and at Valea Morilor Lake. On the 4 of July, during the first

EU-Moldova Summit in Chisinau, the EU and Moldovan leaders made a promise: that Moldova would rejoin

the Creative Europe programme.Today, less than two months later, I am here proudly  to deliver on that promise.

This is an extraordinary milestone from Moldova. It is a clear signal of the EUs unwavering commitment

to the people of Moldova – and to their European future.

By joining Creative Europe, Moldova sends a very strong signal to the whole continent: that Moldovan culture

is part of European culture. To recognise Moldovan culture as European is to affirm that Europe is stronger

because of its diversity—and that Moldovas stories, Moldovas traditions, and Moldovas creativity belong

at the very heart of our shared European heritage.So today marks very important cornerstone

in Moldovas path towards EU membership – one that places  people at the very heart of this process.Because for us culture is not a luxury. Culture is a necessity in a daily lives of people.And Culture is a crucial part of democracy.

Of European democracy.Culture is what grounds us in times of uncertainty, and is a reflection

of the shared values that unite us as Europeans of peace of democracy and of freedom. 

This is why Creative Europe stands as one of the EUs flagship programmes that supports

culture and creative sectors and the industries.It is about opening doors – to new funding, new opportunities,

wider networks and even broader audiences – that empower creativity and collaboration across borders.

Through culture, we affirm that the path towards EU accession is both a political objective and a shared human experience, that is shaped and driven by the people of Moldova, and rooted in our shared future.

The significance of Creative Europe is underscored by the European Commissions recent proposal for the next seven-year budget, which plans for very significant increases in European funding for culture.

And it will be further guided by the upcoming Culture Compass.With todays signing of the association

agreement, from the 1st of January 2026 as a Minister mentioned before, Moldovan artists and Moldovan cultural organisations will gain access to Creative Europes actions under the Culture Strand, with Moldova

being exempt from the entry fee. The programme will elevate the visibility and competitiveness

of Moldovas cultural sector. It will nurture dynamic European partnerships and create new

and tangible opportunities – from the mobility of artists, to cross-border cultural cooperation projects,

and the circulation of Moldovan literary works across the continent.

Moldovan artists, through Culture Moves Europe, will be able to travel and work in over 40 participating countries.

They will share Moldovas unique talent supported by grants spanning architecture, heritage, design,

literature, music, performing arts and visual arts.Moldovan organisations will join forces with

European peers in cross-border cultural projects – expanding access to diverse cultural works, and fostering innovation. Moldovan literature will reach new readers and hearts across the European continent, through

support for translating, publishing and promotion of literary Moldovan works. And Moldavian cities will have

the opportunity to compete for the esteemed title of European Capital of Culture 2033, in a competition

open to non-EU cities And Moldovan creatives will stand shoulder to shoulder with European counterparts,

competing for prestigious European cultural awards in heritage, architecture, music and literature.

Now this moment also provides the perfect stage to celebrate one of Moldovas cultural champions:

Varvara Buzilă who I had a pleasure to meet yesterday, who will be the recipient of the 2025 Europa Nostra Award

for her lifetime achievements in safeguarding Moldovas cultural heritage.The Prize, handed out in the scheme

of the European Heritage Awards co-funded under Creative Europe, symbolises the vibrant cultural achievements emerging from Moldova.

It fills me with great pride and with joy that Moldovas heritage achievements will compete

for these prestigious awards and the Grand Prix from next year onward. I look forward

to celebrating many more Moldovan cultural champions in the years to come. Looking ahead,

the future Creative Europe Desk in Moldova will be a vital hub – connecting local organisations

to European opportunities, and building their capacity to make the most of these opportunities. 

In closing, I want to highlight that todays agreement is a tangible expression

of the EUs enlargement promise. Moldovas path to membership is being built steadily,

step by step, with real, meaningful benefits for its citizens along the way.

The European Union is proud to stand beside Moldovas creative community, and to help share

Moldovas unique stories, Moldovas culture, Moldovas history, and Moldovas traditions with

the world.Because the future of Moldova – Moldovas people, and Moldovan culture – belongs

within the European Union.

Mulțumesc, Thank you”