Sabina Fati, foreign policy analyst: “Romania can greatly help the Republic of Moldova adopt European legislation”

Romania and the Republic of Moldova are at a strategic moment to strengthen their bilateral partnership and accelerate Chișinău’s European integration process.

Foreign policy analyst Sabina Fati emphasizes that Romania not only provides political support but also serves as a legislative and administrative model aligned with European Union standards, facilitating Moldova’s integration.

According to Fati, Bucharest remains Chișinău’s most important strategic partner, offering technical, institutional, and energy support. “Romania can contribute significantly because, sharing the same language, the Republic of Moldova can more easily adopt Romanian legislation adapted to the EU acquis and the standards required for accession. This is a major advantage, considering it took Romania nearly a decade to complete this process,” Fati said on the ÎN CONTEXT show on Moldova 1, November 13.

Expertise transfer and domestic reforms

Fati highlighted the crucial role of institutional expertise transfer, positioning Romania as an intermediary between Chișinău and Brussels. She also stressed that external assistance, including Romanian support, cannot replace internal efforts. Moldova’s European credibility will depend on real progress in implementing administrative, legal, and economic reforms.

Romania – a model in utilizing EU funds

Romania’s experience in absorbing EU funds represents a concrete example for Chișinău. EU membership has allowed Romania to secure significant resources for infrastructure, public administration, and the energy sector. “In recent years, Romania has managed to attract more funds than it spends, contributing approximately one billion euros annually to the EU budget,” Fati explained.

Geopolitical context and opportunities for EU integration

Political analyst Nicolae Negru emphasized that the bilateral dialogue is not merely formal but is materializing into concrete projects in economic and security domains. Recent geostrategic changes enhance the relevance of accelerated EU accession for Moldova, with Romania playing a central role in leveraging this opportunity.

Negru noted that the EU allocated 1.9 billion euros to Chișinău – the largest sum ever received by a European state – reflecting the bloc’s interest in supporting rapid integration. While some countries, such as Hungary and Slovakia, may raise objections, the majority of member states support EU expansion, seeing border stability as essential to the security of the entire Union.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu’s first foreign visit to Bucharest

On November 13, Moldova’s Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu made his first official visit to Bucharest, being received by Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Senate President Mircea Abrudean, and Chamber of Deputies President Sorin Grindeanu.

During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan reaffirmed Romania’s commitment: “Romania has been, is, and will remain the strategic partner and closest supporter of the Republic of Moldova.”