Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
Monsieur le Président, dear Emmanuel,
Thank you for the warm welcome at the Élysée.
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.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Europe’s peace has been built and maintained by strong alliances. Moldova has benefited from this collective effort.
But we have also seen how fragile peace is when taken for granted.
Today, our continent faces the gravest security threat in 80 years. A tragic moment in European history.
The only way forward is together—united in our vision for a peace that lasts.
Peace is not capitulation.
Peace is not a ceasefire that pauses aggression.
Peace needs robust and credible guarantees.
Ukraine needs guarantees.
Europe needs guarantees.
We all need guarantees—so that the next ceasefire is not just a prelude to another war.
Moldova has learned firsthand that Russia breaks every promise. It pledged to withdraw its illegal troops from our territory by 2002—never did. It cut off gas, violating its own supply contract. It imposed embargoes on Moldovan produce, ignoring trade agreements. It interfered in our elections, flouting basic bilateral principles. These aren’t isolated acts—they’re tools of a modern imperialism that seeks to keep nations in its grip.
I cannot agree more with President Macron: The innocence of the last 30 years is over.
But together, Europe can build a just and lasting peace.
A peace that makes us all safer.
Moldova is not just a spectator in this effort—we are a contributor, a partner.
We help Ukraine by maintaining stability on our side of the 1200 km border, providing refuge, and standing firm against Russian destabilisation efforts.
Because Russia’s goal is not just to weaken Moldova—it is to control Moldova and use it as a tool against Ukraine.
Moscow’s strategy is clear: to exploit Moldova’s vulnerabilities, subvert our democracy, and turn our territory into a launchpad for further aggression.
That’s why Ukraine’s security is Moldova’s security. And Moldova’s peace is Europe’s peace.
But peace is not just about individual resilience—it is about collective strength.
Ukraine’s resistance has shielded not just Moldova but all of Europe from a greater threat.
But this fight comes at a cost.
And while Ukraine holds the line, Europe must hold firm.
The war against Ukraine is a threat to everyone in Europe.
An unstable peace will not end the danger—it will only prolong it.
It will remain a threat to every European, to our shared well-being, our democracy, our liberty, and the solidarity that binds us together.
Therefore supporting Ukraine is not just about Ukraine—it is about securing all of Europe.
No EU or NATO country can feel safe if Ukraine is abandoned, defeated, or pressured into an unjust peace.
France understands this. Under President Macron’s leadership, France is working to ensure that Europe stands strong.
Now imagine if the EU had remained a union of just six countries.
Would Europe be as strong today?
Every enlargement has made Europe safer, more prosperous, more resilient.
A more integrated, resilient EU means a stronger economy, better infrastructure, a more stable future for all.
Every enlargement of the EU is an enlargement of peace.
Moldova became a candidate country under the French EU Presidency and France has stood by us every step of the way.
We are doing the work—passing ambitious reforms, strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption.
We are changing Moldova for the better because EU accession is not just a destination—it is the path to a stronger country.
But no country builds resilience alone.
When war broke out, France, Germany, and Romania launched the Moldova Support Platform—helping us navigate the crisis, protect our peace and our people, and stay the course with reforms and EU integration.
This was European solidarity in action.
And Moldova is grateful.
Dear Mr President,
Moldova and France are building a partnership that delivers real results for our citizens.
We are working together on Moldova’s energy security—diversifying sources, improving efficiency, and investing in renewables.
Moldova is no longer dependent on Russian gas.
And today, we take another step forward.
Together with Agence Française de Développement, we are signing a 30 million euro agreement to improve energy efficiency in Moldova. This investment will reduce energy waste, lower costs, and strengthen our energy independence.
We are also working to increase Moldova’s forest cover by 5%, improving our climate resilience.
Our cooperation in the security and defense sector is also strong. And today we are committing to join forces in fighting disinformation, because in today’s world, truth is as vital as security.
Our economic ties are growing, built on trust, investment, and shared opportunity.
French companies were among the first to invest in Moldova—bringing capital, creating jobs, transferring knowledge.
And this is just the beginning.
In the coming years, Moldova will receive a total of 1.9 billion euro in EU investment through the Growth Plan—an opportunity for businesses in both our countries.
These funds will modernise infrastructure, improve the business climate, and create new avenues for investment, ensuring economic gains for both Moldova and the EU.
For tomorrow’s Moldova-France Business Forum, I have one clear message: Moldova is open for business.
Our goal is EU membership by the end of the decade.
Those who invest early will be in a winning position—not just in Moldova, but in a future EU member state.
The strong relationship between Moldova and France is built and strengthened by people.
The Moldovan community in France is vibrant and hardworking, contributing to both economies and keeping democracy strong at home. We are proud of them.
Today's agreement on social protection is a tangible step in delivering for them.
France, too, is present in Moldova. A growing French community—entrepreneurs, investors, and experts—is helping Moldova develop.
This is what our partnership looks like: real people, real projects, real impact.
Dear Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen,
Moldova and France are not just partners—we are friends.
We share the same vision: a stronger, united, peaceful Europe.
Moldova is already playing its part.
As a future EU member.
As a country that stands for democracy and peace.
As a reliable partner for France and for Europe.
Together, thanks to the leadership of President Macron and other European leaders, we will continue building a Europe that is free, prosperous, and secure for generations to come.
Merci, Monsieur le Président. Merci, la France!
