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Prime Minister at the second European Political Community meeting in Moldova

In Chișinău, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the second meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), hosted by the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu.
a group of people standing on top of a stage.

Prime Minister at the European political community meeting in Moldova | Author Government Communication Office

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The EPC Summit brought together the heads of state or government of the 27 EU Member States, 20 other European countries and the presidents of key EU institutions – President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

The arrival of around 50 leaders from European countries and EU institutions in Chișinău is a sign of strong diplomatic support for Moldova, which has come under great security pressure as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. It is also an opportunity for Moldova to reaffirm its commitment to reforms on its path towards the EU.

"Right here in Moldova, we have the opportunity to address calmly and soberly the challenges we face and to send a message of unity and peace. Slovenia is all the more sensitive to the Western Balkans, as it is not only part of our history, but of our immediate neighbourhood. That is why we welcome the speech of the President of the European Commission yesterday, who announced a new development agenda for the Western Balkans," said Golob on his arrival in the Moldovan capital. He added that we see the people of Moldova as Europeans and welcome them on their European journey.

The leaders addressed the issues of peace and security, energy and connectivity in Europe at the Mimi Castle near Chișinău. Prime Minister Golob took an active part in the round table on energy and connectivity. During the discussion, he stressed, among other things, the importance of transitioning to and investing in renewable energy sources and building a modern energy infrastructure – including an electricity grid – to meet the needs of an accelerated transition to low-carbon energy sources.

The European Political Community, as an intergovernmental platform at the highest level, provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring regions and countries in the development of such a pan-European network. This could include the negotiation of energy cooperation agreements and the promotion of cross-border infrastructure projects.

In the margins of the European Political Community Summit, the Prime Minister held a series of bilateral meetings, including with the President of Montenegro, Mr Jakov Milatović, and the President of Kosovo, Ms Vjosa Osmani Sadria. He underlined the continuation of strong support for Montenegro on its path towards the EU and the strengthening of the already excellent relations between the two friendly countries. The Prime Minister also strongly condemned the violence witnessed in recent days in the north of Kosovo. He mentioned the need for the Kosovo authorities to work with the international community to calm tensions as soon as possible. He said that the leaders of the major European countries had also been involved in the talks on the situation in Kosovo: "I welcome this, because I believe that it is only through pressure from the international community that an agreement can be reached", adding that Slovenia had also made a contribution in this area.

In a brief meeting with the President of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Cvijanović, Dr Golob discussed the situation in BiH and the Western Balkans.

After the European Political Community Summit meeting, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob stressed the importance of Europe's unity: "Only when we stand united can we achieve results as Europe." The second ENP Summit, he said, was marked by a number of informal talks and opportunities for dialogue.

The European Political Community, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to promote political dialogue and cooperation to address issues of common interest. At the same time, the Summit is a platform for strengthening security, stability and prosperity in the wider European community.

The first ENP meeting took place in Prague last October and leaders will next meet in Spain, which holds the EU Council Presidency in the second half of this year.