German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, paid a state visit to Chișinău today, marking a strategically important meeting. The visit takes place amid regional security concerns and Moldova’s ongoing efforts to join the EU.
The German Chancellor is on a working visit to the Republic of Moldova, at the invitation of President Maia Sandu. Scholz’s previous visit to the country was on June 1, 2023, when he attended the European Political Community Summit in Bulboaca.
This marks the first bilateral visit by a German Chancellor to Moldova in 12 years, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration. Following her meeting with Scholz, President Sandu stated that Germany’s support strengthens the security not only of Moldova but of the entire region, including Ukraine.
“Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine also means support for Moldova. Our country enjoys security today thanks to Ukraine’s heroic resistance”, Sandu said.
Moldova continues on the European Path
Sandu reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to joining the European Union. She emphasized that since applying for EU membership in March 2022, the country has managed to officially start negotiations within two years.
“We thank Germany for its unwavering support in this journey”, said Moldova’s President. She also noted that as a founding member of the EU, Germany plays a central role in strengthening the European project of peace and prosperity.
According to Sandu, disinformation is one of the ways the Kremlin attempts to influence elections and the lives of Moldovans. “We are strengthening institutions, trying to communicate more with citizens, and taking measures to prevent these attempts to interfere in our internal processes. Moldovans must decide Moldova’s future, not the Kremlin”.
President Sandu also urged Moldovan citizens to participate in large numbers in the October referendum on Moldova’s EU membership. She views the referendum as the most democratic way to express the collective will.
“It is essential to be actively involved in the community’s life and in key moments that will define the country’s future”, Sandu added.
Germany’s assistance to the Republic of Moldova
The President highlighted that Germany is Moldova’s fifth most important trading partner and the seventh largest investor, contributing to job creation through German-owned companies operating in Moldova.
According to Maia Sandu, Germany is actively present in Moldova through assistance projects such as “modernizing public services, empowering youth and developing social services, including a water supply project in Chișinău and Cahul”.
Germany also provided financial support to the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund, amounting to 40 million euros for the 2022-2023 heating season. As a result, “nearly 900,000 households received subsidies for electricity and heating bills”, the President of Moldova stated.
Additionally, dual education is supported by Germany through vocational and technical training programs in Chișinău, Hîncești, Comrat, Bălți, Soroca and other locations, Sandu added. Moreover, she mentioned that last week, the Ministry of Energy conducted its first auction for renewable energy capacities. In this context, the President emphasized that Moldova is open to all investors, inviting German companies and others.
The President also noted that Germany, alongside France and Romania, co-founded a support platform for Moldova, which has significantly contributed to managing the challenges of recent years. This platform, known as the European Peace Facility, is set to convene on September 17, according to Maia Sandu.
At the end of the conference, the President of the Republic of Moldova highlighted the importance of the large number of Moldovan citizens currently residing in Germany.
“Our ties are growing stronger, and Moldovans aspire to positive changes inspired by the German model”, Sandu concluded.
Photo source: FACEBOOK/Maia Sandu
