It is a great honor to receive the Franz Josef Strauß Prize here in Munich, from a foundation that has long stood for democracy, freedom, and a united Europe.
Dear friends,
It is a privilege to be with you today—here in Odesa, a city so dear to all Moldovans.
You know, in the first days, weeks, and months of Russia’s brutal invasion, we would wake up each morning and check the news: does Odesa still stand? Because if it didn’t, it meant the Russian army was just an hour from our border. That fear was real. And so was our hope.
We, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom, together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, met with President Maia Sandu on the margins of the European Political Community summit in Tirana.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be among such good friends at a time when the world faces a storm of uncertainty. Let me begin by thanking the EPP family for your constant support to Moldova.
It is a pleasure to be here today at the Moldova-France Business Forum, standing before business people, investors, entrepreneurs who drive innovation and create opportunities. Moldova and France share a deep friendship—built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to a strong, competitive, and forward-looking Europe.
It is an honour to be here and to discuss how to further deepen the strong partnership between Moldova and France. Moldova is grateful for France’s friendship and solidarity.
I remember that morning three years ago. 4 a.m. I read the news in horror. I got up, went to the office, and from there, I heard the bombs exploding. Odesa… or maybe Vinnytsia. At that moment, we didn’t know where the next bomb would fall.
Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
