Chisinau, Moldova. President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’ support for Moldova’s European Union accession path during an official visit, the first ever by a Cypriot president to Moldova. He met President Maia Sandu in the capital for talks followed by a joint press conference.
EU enlargement and Moldova’s accession path
At the press conference, Christodoulides described Sandu as “a true European” and praised the resilience of the Moldovan people, noting that the visit coincided with Europe Day. He said Cyprus had placed EU enlargement at the core of its presidency of the Council of the European Union, calling enlargement “a geopolitical necessity” and an integral part of European strategic autonomy.
“A stronger and more secure Union is an enlarged Union,” he said, adding that Cyprus’ accession to the EU in 2004 had transformed and modernised the country, improved quality of life for Cypriots and anchored it in the European family.
Christodoulides said Moldova had made “remarkable progress” since receiving EU candidate status in 2022 and expressed confidence that negotiations on the first accession cluster, focusing on rule of law, justice reform and fundamental rights, could formally open in June.
EU growth plan and financial support
Christodoulides said the EU’s growth plan for Moldova was delivering tangible support, including the recent release of €200 million aimed at boosting the country’s economy, infrastructure and job market.
“This investment is not just a figure, but a commitment to modernising your infrastructure and creating the high-tech jobs that allow your young people to thrive here at home,” he said.
Bilateral ties and Cyprus problem
Christodoulides said bilateral ties between Cyprus and Moldova were strengthening, noting that negotiations had officially begun on a social security agreement following Sandu’s visit to Nicosia last December.
He also thanked Moldova for its “principled stance” on the Cyprus problem and its support for Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.
What developments do you expect from Moldova’s EU accession talks in the coming months?
