Social-democrat MEP Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament, has got the backing of the Parliament’s leaders to set up a liaison office in the Republic of Moldova. This will strengthen the Union’s support for this country’s European integration process.

As part of his mission, Victor Negrescu highlighted the value of the European Parliament having a physical presence in Moldova. This would help facilitate parliamentary dialogue, strengthen institutional cooperation and make it easier to communicate with local authorities, civil society and Moldovan citizens. His proposal reflects the European Union’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s accession process, especially in light of external challenges, including Russia’s attempts to influence the country’s internal situation.

“I have been a constant advocate of the European path of the Republic of Moldova and following recent discussions with Moldovan high-level officials, civil society and young people, I believe that we now have an opportunity to renew our support, to assert our role as legislative player in the accession process and to show the Moldovan people that the European Parliament is here for them. The European Parliament’s liaison office will strengthen parliamentary dialogue and will send a clear signal: the Republic of Moldova is not alone on its European path”, Victor Negrescu said in a letter to President Roberta Metsola.

As the European Parliament Vice-President responsible for relations with the Republic of Moldova, Negrescu initiated this action to ensure an active presence of the European Union in the neighbouring country, offering concrete support in the accession process. The office will facilitate exchanges between the specialised parliamentary committees and their Moldovan counterparts, support European Parliament delegations visiting the country and provide a more effective communication platform on European activities.

The decision follows a series of high-level consultations and discussions within the European Parliament, with the proposal having been considered at a Bureau meeting as recently as November 2023, which established the European Parliament’s representation in Kiev. 

The decision to open a European Parliament liaison office in Chișinău is a significant milestone in the institution’s efforts to support the candidate countries and demonstrate active involvement in the advancement of their European path.