MEP Victor Negrescu has called for the rapid start of EU accession negotiations for the Republic of Moldova and EU financial support for interconnection projects between the Republic of Moldova and Romania during the first plenary session of October.

“The Republic of Moldova is ready to take a step forward towards the European Union, and this must be confirmed by a positive report this autumn from the European Commission, which will quickly start negotiations for accession to the European Union,” Negrescu said, speaking at the EP hemicycle during a debate.

Following the debate, the EP plenary voted by a large majority – 448 votes in favour, 45 against and 43 abstentions – on a resolution calling on the European Council and the European Commission to start negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the European Union by the end of this year.

Speaking in plenary, MEP Victor Negrescu stressed that “the citizens of the Republic of Moldova are waiting for this message of support from the European Union, in the difficult context they are experiencing, as the implementation of the next package of necessary reforms will be difficult and costly”.

According to the adopted resolution, the Moldovan government has demonstrated its determination and ability to meet the European Commission’s demands to start accession negotiations, adding that Moldova’s accession to the EU would represent a geostrategic investment in a united and strong Europe.

At the same time, Victor Negrescu pleaded, there is a need to increase European funds for the Republic of Moldova, including through the allocation of pre-accession funds.

The Romanian representative in the European Parliament said that all interconnection projects between the Republic of Moldova, the European Union and Romania should be financially supported.

“This means that all the steps that create new economic links, in the field of energy or culture and education, limiting the influence of the Russian Federation, are real solutions to support the European path of the Republic of Moldova. After decades of propaganda, the battle for the minds and values of Moldovans is still being waged. Let’s win it for good!” concluded Victor Negrescu.