Maia Sandu, the President of the Republic of Moldova, gave a speech at the annual Conference on the budget of the European Union – in Brussels, stressing the need for a “budget for peace”, informs TRIBUNA.

“If we, the people of Moldova, and our neighbors, Ukraine, can defeat those who challenge our desire for peace and democracy, a sunnier world awaits us.

If we fail, the repercussions will be felt here in Brussels and in every other European capital. Help us show Moldovans, who have been living in hope for 30 years, that the European Union offers not only a prospect for a better future, but also the better present they deserve – a decent, free and dignified life.

With an EU budget for peace, give us the tools to achieve what we aim for.

With an EU budget for peace, help us speed up preparations for accession.

With an EU budget for peace, help us make the whole continent safer!” – said Maia Sandu.

The head of state said that, “the EU budget is not about spending, but about investing in a better and more peaceful Europe – the most important basis for future prosperity”.

“The decisions you will take will resonate beyond the halls of this conference and even beyond the current borders of the EU, influencing the geopolitical landscape of our continent and the lives of millions of people who believe in the promise of a united Europe.

Investing in peace through the EU budget is ultimately an investment in the prosperity of all European nations. A peaceful Europe is a prosperous Europe, where companies can thrive, economies can grow and societies can flourish without the risk of war,” she stressed.