Peter Burke, the Irish Minister for European Affairs, has visited Chisinau to announce €2 million in funding to support the Moldovan government as they work through changes towards EU membership. The former Soviet Republic, which shares a 1,200km border with Ukraine and is vulnerable to Moscow’s influence, was granted EU candidate status last year along with Ukraine. A decision will be made by the European Commission regarding the opening of accession talks next month.
Burke met with President Maia Sandu, State Secretary for EU Integration, and key actors in the region, such as the OSCE and EU officials. Moldova has been independent from the USSR since 1991 and has a population of 2.6 million, with strong links to Romania and the EU. The EU is its main trading partner, but the economic benefit from actually joining the union would be transformative for its people.
During his visit, Burke visited an orphanage with local connections and met Dr. Suzie O’Connell, who leads the charity Outreach Moldova, which supports children with disabilities. He committed to raising their case on his return and seeing what further support the government could provide.
Burke also highlighted the need for institutions to prepare a concrete plan with timelines for countries to join, on a merit-based approach. There are strict conditionality attached to joining, including standards for the judiciary, anti-corruption, media freedom, and minimum standards in health and education.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
Irish Minister for Defence and European Affairs Visits Moldova
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