Union expands presence in Moldova: Parliament’s antenna office inaugurated

Brussels – Moldova and the European Union growing ever closer. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, inaugurated today, 7 November, the EU Parliament’s first office in Chisinau. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on the same day as the inauguration of the new government of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, signaling political unity. “The presence of the European officials reflects the Parliament’s determination to deepen its engagement in the country,” reads the Parliament’s official note.

The opening of a permanent seat of the EU Parliament, in addition to the Union’s diplomatic representation, was made possible thanks to an understanding welcomed by all Moldovan leaders. Both President Maia Sandu and the Parliament are representatives of the pro-European Action and Solidarity party, which has been in government since the first of November for the next four years.

The office will aim to promote MEPs’ activities in the region. It will also make it easier to organise official visits and will strengthen cooperation with other EU actors. “It will be a tangible expression of our confidence in the country’s future within the European family,” Metsola commented.

The “tangible” signs, however, are not limited to today’s inauguration. The Eastern European state, as Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos  made clear three days ago, is “the country that has made the greatest efforts this year to come into line with European rules.” This effort was described in the entirely positive report presented by Kos on 4 November. What emerges is a rapid path to Brussels, which could culminate in 2028. 

However, the opening of the negotiating clusters is still lacking. “We will do everything to put the European Council in a position to do so,” said Marta Kos, who is aware of the pitfalls still to be overcome. One of these is the presence of the unrecognised state of Transnistria within Moldova’s borders. Nevertheless, Chisinau’s political direction is clear, and from now on it will also be able to count on a European representation office.