I am delighted to address the readers of NewsRegion magazine at a defining moment for my country - and for Europe as a whole.

Following the recent parliamentary elections, Moldova has entered a new chapter marked by continuity, progress, and ambition - a chapter driven by a renewed mandate to prepare our country for European Union accession. These elections once again demonstrated that Moldova delivers on its commitments and stands resilient in the face of adversity. Despite unprecedented foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, our people made their voices heard. United, we stood up for freedom, for peace, and for the right of every citizen to a better life.

Just two weeks after the elections, I travelled to Brussels to meet with our friends and partners and to discuss Moldova’s European future. The messages I heard were clear and reassuring - strong, unwavering support for our European path. My message, too, was clear: Moldova has chosen Europe, time and again, without hesitation. Now it is time for Europe to respond with action. Our continent faces unprecedented threats, and the speed and determination we show today will define the Europe we live in tomorrow.

Over the past several years, Moldova has worked diligently and decisively along its path to EU accession. With a small administration and limited resources, we have mobilised an entire nation behind the vision of a European Moldova.

Recently, the European Council reaffirmed its steadfast support for our country’s accession process and welcomed the significant progress we have achieved. In its latest conclusions, adopted by European leaders on 23 October in Brussels, Moldova’s reform efforts were clearly recognised. We deeply value the consistent commitment of EU Member States and the positive signal regarding the readiness to open the Fundamentals, Internal Market, and External Relations clusters.

In parallel, following the successful completion of the screening process in September, we continue advancing on the remaining clusters, drafting negotiation positions and preparing for the next phases of talks. Our goal is ambitious yet realistic: to finalise negotiations by the end of 2027. Fully aware that the accession process is merit-based, we remain firmly committed to delivering the reforms necessary to make Moldova ready for EU membership by 2030.

Our aspiration to join the European family goes hand in hand with a broader transformative process that will profoundly improve the daily lives of our citizens. About a year ago, the European Union adopted the largest financial support package for Moldova since our independence - the €1.9 billion Growth Plan. This ambitious initiative aims to strengthen our access to the single market and accelerate the reforms that will prepare us for membership. We intend to use this support strategically: to modernise critical infrastructure, bolster energy security, and revitalise our economy. Moldova is undergoing a genuine transformation - and its benefits are already tangible.

Step by step, these changes are improving everyday life. Since early October, Moldova has joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), connecting our citizens and businesses to Europe’s financial system through faster and cheaper euro transfers. Starting in January, we will become part of the Roam Like at Home area, bringing direct benefits to Moldovan citizens travelling across Europe and to Europeans visiting our country.

Europe, at its core, is about cooperation - about sharing experience, resources, and responsibility to build a stronger and more competitive Union. Moldova’s accession will enhance not only our own security and prosperity but also that of our neighbours and of Europe as a whole. It will serve as a security guarantee for Ukraine and for the entire continent.

History reminds us that it is in difficult times that the foundations of the future are laid. Today, we have a moral duty to seize the window of opportunity opened through the sacrifice and courage of the Ukrainian people, who are defending not only their homeland but the entire region and our shared values. Together, we can safeguard freedom, democracy, and unity on the European continent.