Moldovan president sets objective of joining EU within next 4 years

CHISINAU. April 17 (Interfax) - Moldova should become a European Union member within the next four years in order to be able to guarantee peace, security and prosperity in the country, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.

"The first thing is the peace and security of our families. Second, it is stability and national unity. Third, it is economic development and prosperity. There is no doubt that it will be far easier for us to ensure peace and freedom if we join the EU. There, we will be protected within the large and loving family. Therefore, we must work day and night to enter the EU as soon as possible, not over 10-20 years, but within the next four years," Sandu said in her address to the country's parliament on Thursday.

Moldova officially applied for EU membership on March 3, 2022, and received EU candidate status in June of that year. The sides officially launched accession negotiations in June 2023. The Moldovan authorities earlier announced plans to complete this process before 2030.

The opposition Bloc of Communists and Socialists left the session hall in protest during Sandu's speech.