Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I had a bilateral meeting a week ago with the foreign Minister of the Moldovan Government and also met with him during the partnership summit in Vilnius. I also met last week with representatives of the Government of Moldova. During the partnership summit I expressed the view that while the focus on the difficulties being experienced in the Ukraine is important, it is also important we do not lose sight of the commitments made by Georgia and Moldova in what could be a challenging external environment. To do this - I had this discussion with the foreign Minister - we need to ensure that the European Union puts in place methods of supports for those countries in the coming months, in particular throughout the winter. I believe this will be done in two ways, namely, support for Moldova in moving beyond initialling of the agreement to signing of it in as prompt a manner as possible and address of its concerns in relation to visas in the context of its people being able to move around with greater ease. This must be given careful consideration. It would be a pity if in the midst of engaging with one country that did not decide to go down that path, which is its right, we did not continue to support it directly.

I have engaged with Moldovan representatives twice in the past week and a half and we will give them any support we can. In the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, along with many of our neighbours we will be saying we need to support them.