Moldovan parliament adopts declaration of commitment to European integration path

CHISINAU. July 11 (Interfax) - The 11th Moldovan Parliament, whose powers expire on Friday, adopted a declaration of the commitment to the irreversible path towards European integration at its last session, an Interfax correspondent reported.

"The parliament reaffirms its strong commitment to the irreversible course towards European integration and urges all political forces, public institutions and civil society to stay united around this strategic goal in the spirit of solidarity and responsibility to citizens and future generations," the declaration said.

"The entry into the European Union is the only viable way to guarantee freedom, peace and sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova in the context of threats to national and regional security," it said.

The parliament expressed hope that "the conditions required for starting chapter negotiations will be met by the end of 2025, so that the process of the Republic of Moldova's accession to the EU could accelerate."

The parliament also urged the Moldovan government "to take all measures necessary for holding free, fair and transparent elections, preventing any foreign interference, and cracking down on corruption in the election campaign, thus providing the expression of the actual will of citizens."

"We are urging citizens of the Republic of Moldova to be confident about the European future of the country, the future of peace, freedom and dignity," and are asking the next parliament "to continue the European course," the declaration said.

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov hailed the parliament's adoption of the declaration.

"The parliament members are urging the next parliament to continue the European course and are asking the government to ensure free and fair elections. They are also urging citizens to be confident about the European future of the Republic of Moldova, underlining practical benefits from the partnership with the EU, from economic opportunities and higher mobility to security and solidarity," Gherasimov said on a social network.

"We will keep on working together so that the Republic of Moldova becomes a European Union member state by 2030," she said.

Moldovan parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 28. Candidate lists will be registered starting from July 14.