The opening of Parliament’s permanent office in Chisinau sends a strong political signal demonstrating partnership and support for the authorities, civil society, and citizens of the entire Eastern Partnership region. In her opening speech, European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola called her Moldovan counterparts ’Europeans’.
Roberta Metsola officially announced the creation of the European Parliament Bureau in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, on Friday, 7 November. The focus is on strengthening interaction between the EU and the country. As part of the visit, the President of the European Parliament met with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu. She also voiced support for the country’s path to membership in the European Union.
Support for democracy and reforms
The European Parliament’s office will promote Parliament’s positions and activities, and support democracy and institutional reforms in the region. It will also facilitate the preparation of official visits by MEPs. The office should also reinforce cooperation with other EU actors, international organisations, and civil society on the ground.
I am proud to announce the official opening of the European Parliament Bureau in Chisinau. This is a clear signal of our support for the Eastern Partnership countries and Moldova’s path to the European Union. – Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
In a report adopted in June 2025, Members of the European Parliament acknowledge that the relationship between the EU and Moldova has entered a new phase. It is characterised by enhanced cooperation and ongoing efforts by the government in Chisinau to harmonise its national legislation with EU acquis.
Attitudes toward the EU ambiguous
Moldova was granted candidate status in June 2022, shortly after having submitted application to the EU. Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024. To help support Moldova’s integration into the EU and its reforms, European Union is providing up to €1.9bn for the period from 2025 to 2027, through the new Moldova Growth Plan.
Moldova has a population just below 2.5 million and ranks among the least developed European countries. Regarding relations with the European Union, the Moldova’s society remains deeply divided. The EU membership constitutional referendum organised in October 2024 went through with only a razor-thin majority (50.35 per cent vs. 49.65 per cent). A large part of the population favours close relations with Russia.
