H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet:

To the Chairman, the distinguished members of the committee, the ambassadors and the members of the Moldovan delegation, I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an update to this esteemed committee on Moldova's application for EU membership.

On behalf of the Moldovan authorities, I express our deep appreciation to the committee and other Irish authorities for their unwavering interest in the developments in the Republic of Moldova, and the profound discussions in the Oireachtas and committees, including this one, regarding the Moldovan situation at this critical juncture for our country. We are grateful to Ireland for being a consistent supporter of our country and for the assistance provided on various dimensions, particularly in supporting Moldova’s efforts at EU level in its path towards EU candidacy. We also appreciate Ireland’s firm position on EU enlargement, which advocates for a diverse European Union based on shared values. Ireland’s optimism regarding the expansion of the Union to include Moldova on merit-based progress is encouraging. The success story of Ireland as an EU member state over the past 50 years, which has been widely celebrated in the country, showcases an extraordinary transformation with a positive impact across all dimensions of society. This remarkable achievement serves as a true inspiration for Moldova on our path toward European integration.

Regarding the update on Moldova’s EU membership application, I am pleased to inform the committee that since being granted candidate status for EU membership by the European Council on 23 June 2022, the Republic of Moldova has been diligently working to enhance its justice system, bolster energy security, increase resilience, counter hybrid threats and make necessary preparations for EU accession. We are actively adjusting the activities of public administration to align with the accession logic. We have enabled 35 working groups corresponding to the 35 accession criteria. They began functioning in March. These working groups have already produced the first Moldovan contribution to the European Commission enlargement package for 2023, which was submitted on 19 April. We have also developed a third non-paper on the implementation of the nine recommendations, which has been shared with EU member states and provided to the members of this committee.

Allow me to highlight some examples of the progress we have made thus far. First, legislative reforms and judicial system improvements are crucial and very important for us. Moldova has actively worked to improve its legislative framework. Reforms have been made to the Superior Council of Magistracy, prosecution procedures and the checking of asset declarations of candidates in judicial and prosecutorial positions. Additionally, the country has approved a new electoral code in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission. These measures aim to enhance the transparency and integrity of the justice system in the country. This is one of the conditions placed on Moldova.

On enhanced security measures and governance, Moldova has taken significant steps to enhance these. The adoption of the law on cybersecurity aligns with the EU directive on the security of network and information systems and bolsters the country’s defences against cyber threats. Furthermore, the policy planning framework has been strengthened through the implementation of strategies such as the public administration reform strategy, the strategy on public property management, the strategy for development of internal affairs, the national programme for recovery of criminal assets and the programme for the support of the Roma population. These initiatives contribute to good governance, effective public resource management and the overall resilience of Moldova.

Another aspect is transparency, efficiency and electoral integrity. Moldova has focused on improving transparency and efficiency in various sectors. Rules regarding public investment projects and public procurement have been enhanced, ensuring fairness, transparency and efficient allocation of resources. That is very important for countries like Moldova. In addition, the capacity of the Central Electoral Commission has been strengthened to better control and oversee party financing, promoting the integrity of the electoral process.

There have been some achievements and collaborative efforts. Moldova’s progress and achievements have been recognised in several independent indices, including, to name a few, the Transparency International corruption index, the Reporters without Borders index and the gender inequality index. I also stress that Moldova has actively collaborated with like-minded partners such as the US, UK and EU to limit the power of oligarchs through international sanctions. Efforts to regain control over the Chisinau International Airport from a Russian-based company allegedly controlled by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor showcased the country’s commitment to sovereignty.

Regarding resilience and administrative capacity, Moldova has demonstrated resilience in successfully managing multiple crises, many of which have been discussed at this committee, including the refugee crisis, the gas crisis and various hybrid attacks, while continuing to make progress on reforms and the EU accession process. The country has also strengthened its administrative capacity by creating new positions focused on EU affairs, because this is also crucial for us, and establishing inter-institutional working groups aligned with the EU accession criteria.

Moldova’s commitment to progress, resilience in the face of challenges and determination to align with EU standards and values are evident. These accomplishments underscore Moldova’s readiness to pursue EU membership and its dedication to becoming an integral part of the European Community. We believe the significant and sustainable progress made in implementing the nine recommendations will serve as a solid and credible basis for the European Commission to recommend launching accession negotiations in October 2023 and for the European Council to decide on this matter in December 2023. We count very much on Ireland’s vocal support at that time and in this process.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had a significant impact on Moldova.

Our GDP fell by 6% last year and inflation reached 35% in 2022. We have also faced hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns that have affected various sectors of our economy. I wish to note that Moldova plays host to 85,000 Ukrainian refugees. We support them and are in solidarity with them. Half of them are children who attend schools or kindergartens. More than 5,000 refugees have asked for protection, which was enabled by a decision by my Government. I refer to temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees.

Moldova is facing large-scale hybrid warfare tactics, including energy blackmail, and massive disinformation campaigns to destabilise the political and social situation in Moldova, which are being conducted by the Russian Federation. There has also been an increase in paid protests in Moldova, the blocking of roads and streets, and interference with the normal functioning of government institutions. These tactics are drawing much needed resources towards assuring the security and stability of the country. The biggest challenges include violations of Moldovan airspace and constant illegal border crossings. I wish to draw the attention of members to the rise in attempts by suspicious third-country citizens to enter the country and it is a really big number. In this challenging context, we are determined to further strengthen the resilience and security of our country.

We very much welcome, and this was supported by Ireland, the adoption by the European Parliament on 19 April of the resolution on the challenges facing Moldova. The document accurately describes the alarming situation we find ourselves in because of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and Russia's subversive actions against Moldova. We greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the EU to manage the challenges we are facing. The EU supports have been very instrumental, particularly in the energy sector and humanitarian assistance facilitated through the EU civil protection mechanism.

Moldova is interested in further strengthening co-operation with the EU in the field of security and defence through various mechanisms. I described the mechanisms in more detail in my statement that was submitted to the committee and I will name one of them. Moldovan authorities highly appreciate the outcomes of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held on 24 April 2023 because a decision was taken to establish the EU partnership mission to Moldova. The partnership mission was launched on 22 May and will focus on combating hybrid threats, cybersecurity and disinformation. All of that are extremely crucial areas for us.

I wish to reiterate that Moldova greatly appreciates Ireland's support at EU level and agreement on a new bilateral framework as we concentrate our efforts on the key areas of energy, transport and trade. In the energy sector, for the first time in our history we have diversified our energy sources. Regarding transport, we are delighted by the inclusion of Moldova in the Connecting Europe Facility. In the context of trade, the EU decision of increasing the tariff quotas for the export of Moldovan agricultural products to the European market is of utmost importance and enables us to tap into new opportunities and expand our trade relations. With Ireland's support, alongside the broader co-operation of the EU, we are confident in advancing Moldova's development, fostering integration and enhancing the well-being of our nation.

I want to stress the following at this meeting. Despite the vulnerabilities and challenges that we face, particularly in the wake of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, there is strong political determination of Moldovan authorities and widespread support among the Moldovan people for promoting reforms and pursuing our dream of joining the democratic world.

Moldovan people at our national assembly, which took place on 21 May, in Moldova, and where such gatherings took place comprising the Moldovan diaspora in cities, including Dublin and Cork, firmly stated that our path is European integration. The participants adopted a resolution that urged an amendment to the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova to establish the irreversible and definitive accession of Moldova to the European Union.

I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Moldova will host the second meeting of the European political community on 1 June 2023. We are preparing for this grand event and that is very challenging for a small country like Moldova. We warmly welcome the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the Irish delegation to Moldova. Their participation will further strengthen the very dynamic political dialogue between our countries. The event will be attended by Heads of State and leaders of the European Commission, the European Parliament and so on. Delegates will have valuable opportunities to engage in substantive discussions.

To conclude, I wish to say to the distinguished members of this committee that we rely on the openness and readiness of Ireland in further assisting the Republic of Moldova in its European integration process. I am quite confident that together, we can work towards a brighter future for Moldova as a member of the European Union.