15 Jun 2022 20:45

Moldovan president expects lengthy, complicated process of joining EU, hopes for Macron's support

CHISINAU. June 15 (Interfax) - While Moldova is striving to integrate into the European Union, it is not going to look for shortcuts and is willing to pursue reforms, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.

"We know that the Republic of Moldova's European integration is going to be a lengthy and complicated process, which will require constant efforts. I'd like to make it clear: we're not looking for shortcuts in this process. We are willing to do our homework and want to be assessed based on our true merits and the result of our work," Sandu said at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Moldova.

Addressing Macron, Sandu said Moldova counts on France's support in being granted EU candidate country status.

"We hope your request will be supported by the European Union member states at the Brussels summit on June 23-24," she said.

Moldova is pursuing very good cooperation in all areas with the EU, which is "the country's principal partner in the economy and development area," she said.

"Our economy is increasingly more interrelated with the European one. Two-thirds of Moldovan exports go to the European Union," Sandu said.

The European Commission is expected to issue a recommendation for its member states on June 17 regarding next steps that should be made with regard to Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, which had applied for EU membership in early March. The European Council is to discuss the three countries' applications a week later.