CHISINAU, Friday, May 8, 2026 (WNP): European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Friday reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to Moldova’s accession process, stating that the bloc wants Moldova to become part of the European family.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chișinău, Kallas praised Moldova for making “remarkable progress” in carrying out reforms despite difficult circumstances.

“Moldova is one of Europe’s closest partners, but we also want you to actually be part of us,” she said, adding that the reforms undertaken by Moldova are “real, sustainable and beneficial” for Moldovan citizens.

Kallas emphasized that the EU is determined to move forward with Moldova’s accession process, noting that enlargement is not only a technical process but also a political commitment.

She assured Moldova that the issue of Transnistria would not become an obstacle to the country’s European future.

“Moldova already belongs to the European community,” she said, while announcing that the second EU-Moldova summit would soon be held in Brussels.

Discussing regional security, Kallas condemned Russia’s continued military actions in Ukraine, stating that Moscow’s proposed temporary ceasefires were not genuine efforts for peace.

“Ukraine offers real ceasefires. Russia offers them in bad faith, only to break them shortly after,” she said.

The EU foreign policy chief said Moldova remains under pressure from what she described as Russia’s “hybrid war,” but stressed that European partners were helping the country strengthen resilience against security threats.

She referred to recent EU assistance provided after attacks on critical infrastructure and environmental damage linked to the war, including support for water cleanup operations and electricity supplies.

Kallas announced that a new EU-funded radar system had arrived in Moldova to improve detection of Russian drones violating Moldovan airspace.

She said the European Union has already provided €200 million in assistance to Moldova through the European Peace Facility (EPF) and revealed plans to propose doubling annual EPF funding to €120 million.

According to Kallas, this would become the largest EPF assistance package for any beneficiary country after Ukraine.

She also highlighted the role of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova in helping local institutions counter foreign interference and hybrid threats.

Responding to questions regarding Moldova’s EU accession timeline, Kallas said the bloc should move “as fast as possible” while political momentum exists, though she declined to provide a specific date for opening accession talks.

She acknowledged that political developments and elections within EU member states could affect the enlargement process, stressing the importance of using the current opportunity window.

Addressing questions about celebrations of Victory Day and Europe Day on May 9, Kallas said countries with historical experiences under Soviet rule have different perspectives regarding the end of World War II.

She stressed the importance of focusing on a common European future despite differing historical narratives.

Commenting on possible future negotiations with Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, Kallas said current peace efforts were not producing meaningful progress and criticized what she described as one-sided pressure on Ukraine.

She added that the European Union is discussing conditions and expectations from Russia, including issues related to sanctions and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria.