The European Union already has over a million citizens in the Republic of Moldova because a good part of the population on the left side of the Prut has regained its Romanian citizenship. Statements in this sense were made by Maia Sandu, the president of the Republic of Moldova.
She mentioned, in an interview given to the Russian journalist Iuri Dudi, that she is among the over one million citizens of the Republic of Moldova who also hold Romanian citizenship.
The President of the Republic of Moldova claims that he regained his Romanian citizenship “13-15 years ago” because “my grandparents had Romanian passports. It was important for me to have a Romanian passport“.
“One million of our citizens have a Romanian passport. This also means a European passport, that is, the European Union already has one million citizens in the Republic of Moldova. This must shorten our path to the EU,” Maia Sandu noted.
Being asked how popular the idea of union with Romania is in the society of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu said that there are people who support this desire.
“According to surveys, around 36-40% of citizens want the Union. Some want this for historical reasons, some – because we will reach the EU faster, and others – because the standard of living is much better in Romania. People have different reasons” said Maia Sandu.
However, the head of state claims that the majority of citizens of the Republic of Moldova are supporters of European accession.
“They believe that the Republic of Moldova must become part of Europe and we are working for it. We respect the will of the citizens. (…) I think that the best thing for the Republic of Moldova and, above all, the real thing is to become a member of the EU. Then we will not have a border with Romania or with the other EU states. We will meet with Romania in the EU“, Maia Sandu pointed out.
