Independence Day Greetings to Moldova from Vitaliy Barvinenko, Director of the Institute of Danube Research

I sincerely congratulate Moldova and the Moldovan people on Independence Day!

Ukraine and Moldova are united not only by a common border, shared history and close human ties. Today, we are bound by something even greater: our common struggle for the right to determine our own future and our shared European civilizational choice.

Ukraine and Moldova are simultaneously following a difficult path towards Europe, defending their independence, sovereignty and democratic future against Russian influence and attempts to drag our countries back into the Soviet past.

The Institute of Danube Research is proud that, ahead of last year’s parliamentary elections in Moldova, we made considerable efforts to identify Russian propaganda and successfully counter it. We also succeeded in bringing together representatives of the security institutions of both countries as part of our security roundtable.

It is important not only to preserve but also to strengthen the potential that has developed in our bilateral relations over the past six years. For the first time, European-oriented political leaders have simultaneously come to power in both Moldova and Ukraine.

Above all, every citizen should experience the benefits of this economic synergy, while businesses should gain new opportunities for development. At the same time, a delicate balance must be maintained between the interests of market access and each country’s desire to protect its domestic producers.

By maintaining close ties, we can demonstrate that the European choice is not only about shared values but also about tangible economic benefits.

Happy Independence Day, Moldova!