H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet:

I thank the Deputy first for his initiative in going to Moldova. I saw a picture of the day as he watched the address of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the car he described. I thank him for the words of solidarity he expressed to us and appreciation. He described precisely the situation in Moldova, including the emotions people are feeling, as well as our needs. I thank him for that.

We welcome any food or assistance from Ireland or other countries. There are different mechanisms, as I said. One is the platform for Moldova that was initiated recently. The EU mechanism is still active for Moldova to receive assistance. There was a question regarding the mechanism for relocation. Unfortunately, I am not aware of the matter. I assume nobody has been relocated or otherwise I would see it noted in the papers I constantly receive from the ministry. I assume it is because of the holidays and a reply indicates the letter was received. I will probably have a meeting. I understand the ministry for justice is working very hard on the Irish mechanism for refugee flows. I am optimistic and quite sure we will manage with the committee's help to discuss the topic.

On the question of Transnistria, it is a very tense and complex situation right now. It is probably the most important development that is now followed by everyone and not just Moldova. It is followed by all our partners, the EU and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, mission in Moldova. Just after those incidents, the OSCE mission called for everybody in general not to take any actions to undermine the trust and work that has been achieved up to now in the management of this conflict. Yesterday the Moldovan President called a supreme security council meeting. After that, Moldovan President Maia Sandu held a briefing, stating that all appropriate state agencies are on alert. They were also given additional tasks, including to be more vigilant, investigate and take all measures needed from our side. At the same time the President called on our people to stay calm and not to use false sources of information. That is very important in such situations.

Our President also stated we are looking to use existing mechanisms, including the 5+2 format etc., to settle the conflict. This means we are still looking to diplomatic and political solutions for the region. We do not control the Transnistrian region but they are our citizens and it is our territory. We are concerned and working with partners to approach these incidents that are seeking to destabilise in the best possible way.

I reiterate my words of appreciation and gratitude to the Romanian authorities, as has been mentioned. There is a connection and we are working together in providing support. This support, by the way, is not just in the area of managing the flow of refugees. Romania is working hand in hand with us in the European accession process, which is already at the level of parliaments. There was a meeting and they expressed an intention and a readiness to help us in this process at the parliamentary level. The Chairman asked in a separate letter what we will need in the process towards further European integration. I replied by saying now it is a question of deep assessment and we are completing those questionnaires. There will be an assessment and we will need help at the level of parliaments and other authorities in future steps. I will bring that to the committee's attention in time.

The Deputy also asked about the energy resilience of my country. It is one of the major topics we are working on. There was and still is an energy crisis in my country and the members may have discussed this with authorities. Prices of gas have risen to a level but probably not every European country pays that price. We have only one source of gas, which makes us very vulnerable.

There are steps being taken to diversify. Romania is on one side stocking some gas for us and the European Union announced that if there is a purchase of gas for European countries, Moldova would be included in the mechanism. On the electricity side, I am also pleased to say our electricity system was connected to the European system just recently. That helps us a lot.

At this moment, the European Union perspective for us is the cornerstone of everything. It is why we repeat our plea for support and for a European perspective. We will do our homework and it will be for the benefit of the entire European region. That is probably what Ireland expects from us.