Socialists and Democrats leader Iratxe Garcia Pérez has called for a debate about Moldova in the European Union, after the country asked to join the bloc.
"The EU can bring hope to Moldovans, particularly the young, that their country's future is in the EU," the political group said. "The current government is clearly committed to all necessary reforms, especially the reform of the judiciary and the fight against corruption," it added in a statement.
The group pledged to work closely with Moldova to help them on their path to EU accession.
Garcia Pérez was speaking after a meeting to the Republic of Moldova, where she held meetings with several representatives, including its President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavriliţa, President of the Parliament Igor Grosu and Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi.
"We must address the needs and the future of this country, which is our friend and neighbour," she said. "We must help Moldova to improve its military capabilities to be able to defend itself, while providing more financial aid to protect vulnerable people in this country and also be ready to continue helping refugees," Garcia Pérez added.
In March, Moldovan authorities reported 381,448 arrivals from Ukraine, 346,735 of whom are Ukrainian refugees, while 34,713 are third-country nationals.
"Moldova is showing solidarity and responsibility towards Ukraine but also towards the EU and it deserves all our support," Garcia Pérez noted. "It has already been hit by the pandemic and it now faces the uncertainty of the Russian military threat as it advances from the South East, together with the economic and social consequences of a war on its doorstep," she said.
"The EU must increase its support to this cross-border cooperation, both to be ready in case more refugees arrive from Odessa and also to avoid any abuse by human traffickers," S&D Romanian delegation leader Dan Nica said.
There are suspicions that Moldova might be Putin's next target. Approximately 1,500 Russian troops are stationed at Moldova's border, and the country's President Maia Sandu has expressed concern that Russia might use these troops to seize the country.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-media house initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author's view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
