Austria’s Karoline Edtstadler and a group of European ministers have made a visit to Moldova amid growing concerns over a possible Russian takeover. The visit comes after Moldovan President Maia Sandu accused Russia of plotting to overthrow her government, an allegation that Russia has denied.
During their visit, the European ministers reiterated their unanimous stance that Moldova belongs to the European family, with Moldova’s Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu expressing a desire to commence EU accession negotiations in the near future. However, Edtstadler emphasized that Moldova must first fulfill the prerequisites for accession and that there are no shortcuts to becoming a member of the EU.
The visit of the European ministers coincided with International Women’s Day, and Edtstadler used the opportunity to highlight the important role of women in society, including in peacekeeping.
The situation in Moldova has become increasingly tense in recent months, with Sandu accusing Russia of meddling in the country’s affairs and seeking to undermine her government. Russia has denied these accusations, but tensions remain high as Moldova continues to seek closer ties with the EU.
The visit of the European ministers is seen as a show of support for Moldova’s pro-European stance, with the ministers emphasizing the importance of democracy and the rule of law. The visit is also seen as a signal to Russia that the EU will not tolerate any attempts to undermine Moldova’s sovereignty.
The issue of Moldova’s potential accession to the EU is a complex one, with many factors to consider. The country still faces many challenges, including corruption, poverty, and political instability. However, the EU has made it clear that it sees Moldova as an important partner and is committed to supporting its efforts to modernize and develop.
The visit of the European ministers to Moldova sends a strong message of support to the country and its pro-European government. It also serves as a reminder to Russia that the EU will not stand idly by if it attempts to interfere in Moldova’s affairs.