Romanian-Moldovan Relations

The events in Moldova’s neighbour Ukraine has consolidated the determination of the pro-western authorities in Chisinau to continue on their path to the European Union, a determination which has recently been rewarded.

Within half a year of their country’s signing an association and free trade agreement with the Union, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova are no longer required to have a visa for entering EU territory.

As of 28th of April, Moldovan nationals holding biometric passports may cross the border into EU member Romania visa-free.

The event has been symbolically marked by the Romanian and Moldovan prime ministers Victor Ponta and Iurie Leanca at the border crossing check point in Suculeni.

According to Victor Ponta, Romania will continue to support Moldova’s accession to the European Union, the target date for achieving this goal being 2019, when Bucharest will hold the EU rotating presidency for the first time.

Beyond this unconditional support, the authorities in Bucharest and Chisinau must also identify the means of cooperation in the area of security, given the deterioration of the situation in Ukraine and the security climate in the region. Victor Ponta:

“At the moment, the region is faced with a serious security problem as a result of the situation in Ukraine and the aggression in Crimea. My intention at the upcoming meeting of the country’s Supreme Defence Council is to discuss with all relevant institutions in Romania and together provide an accurate assessment of the situation and the possibilities for collaboration and cooperation” Victor Ponta said.

Moldova’s prime minister Iurie Leanca thanked Romania for its constant support for Moldova’s accession process.

He also emphasised the need to carry through a number of joint projects in the field of infrastructure and energy:

“Whether we speak of gas and electricity interconnection projects, the building of bridges or joint projects making use of the existing infrastructure on the right bank of the river Prut and the water treatment plant in Iasi to supply quality drinking water to the Ungheni area, these are all extremely important projects bringing multiple benefits” prime minister Leanca said.

Iurie Leanca also announced that the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline would become operational on the 27th of August.

This project is designed to make the Republic of Moldova less dependent on gas imports from Russia.