The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova hosted the meetings of the standing committees and the Bureau of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. Participants discussed developments within the Eastern Partnership, regional security, the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the prospects for European Union enlargement, TRIBUNA reports.

Opening the meetings, Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu reflected on how the situation has evolved since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine. “These developments show how quickly things can derail. They show that democracy is not a final destination but a process that must be defended every day. And, perhaps most importantly, they show that the European choice is not irreversible unless it is constantly supported by strong institutions and by an engaged society,” he underlined.

The Speaker also stressed the importance of cooperation that goes beyond dialogue and exchange of experience. “All these developments show the same thing: EU enlargement and security cannot be separated. They are part of the same effort to build a more stable, coherent and capable Europe, one that can protect its values. And this depends on each of us — on our ability to carry out reforms at home, and on our ability to remain consistent, united and clear‑headed in the decisions we take together,” Grosu stated.

“It is very important to focus on what we can do together. In this sense, I see respect and connectivity between the countries of the region and the European Union,” said Maria Karapetyan, Co‑President of the EURONEST PA and head of the Armenian Parliament’s delegation.

“We must think ahead, in a new way. That is why I believe this year will be one of reforming the Eastern Partnership agenda — how we reshape ourselves, what brings us together. I think redefining is essential, and I propose starting from three key elements: geopolitical rehabilitation, democracy and connectivity,” noted Sergey Lagodinsky, Co‑President of the EURONEST PA and head of the European Parliament’s delegation.

Debates within the standing committees focused on shaping the Eastern Partnership’s security architecture, investments in renewable energy, energy independence and economic security. Adrian Băluțel, head of Moldova’s delegation to EURONEST PA, presented the authorities’ experience in countering external interference and hybrid warfare while ensuring respect for the rule of law, electoral integrity and institutional resilience.

The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly was established on 3 May 2011 in Brussels, when the presidents of the parliaments of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the European Union signed its Constituent Act. Its mission is to promote the conditions necessary for accelerating political association and economic integration between the EU and its Eastern European partners, strengthen regional cooperation, and enhance the visibility of the Eastern Partnership.