Europe needs Moldova just as Moldova needs Europe.

During her official visit to Chișinău on 7 November, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, addressed a session of the Moldovan Parliament. She began her speech by addressing Moldovan deputies in Romanian with the phrase «Dragi europeni» («Dear Europeans»). Metsola described the recent parliamentary elections in Moldova as “historic,” highlighting that the country has “chosen the European path for the third time in a row.”

The leader of the Communist Party faction, Diana Karaman, announced that communist lawmakers would not attend the ceremonial session, as they were conducting “their own ceremonial events” to celebrate the anniversary of the 1917 Russian Revolution. In contrast, the leader of the main opposition Party of Socialists (PSRM), Igor Dodon, stated that his faction would attend the parliamentary session, describing this decision as “a healthy and correct step.”

Roberta Metsola expressed her honour at returning to the Chișinău Parliament. She emphasised the significance of Moldova’s progress towards joining the European Union as she discussed the results of the elections.

“If three years ago, we spoke of candidate status as a beginning, today I am here to speak about accession as a project. The European promise is no longer a distant idea on the horizon. We have, at this moment, a powerful window of opportunity – and there is momentum. For Moldova and its people, it is taking shape. It is real, and it is happening now. This is thanks to your country’s courage, the determination of your leaders and the conviction of your people. Thank you for this,” Metsola told lawmakers.

The EP President highlighted the significance of energy independence from Russia, both for the EU and Moldova. She said she understands how painful this process was for Moldova’s society, but it was a necessary step towards freedom and independence.

“It took real courage for you to cut dependence on Russian energy. In just a few short years, you have shown what it means to choose freedom over fear, resilience over reliance, Europe over coercion. You have proven that even when the pressure mounts, a nation can stand firm,” Metsola told lawmakers.

“I am aware that taking a clear pro-European stance has not been easy for your country. It has come at a high cost—and the situation, I know, remains fragile. But choosing Europe has always meant choosing solidarity. Across our Union, Member States have already facilitated new interconnections. Together we are diversifying our energy supplies with partners that we can all trust,” the EP President continued.

Metsola emphasised that the European Parliament was the first to call for an end to Russian energy dependence.

The EP president informed Moldovan lawmakers that EU enlargement has been, and continues to be, the European Union’s most powerful geopolitical instrument. She emphasised that in today’s strategic landscape, a larger European Union founded on clear objectives, criteria, and merit serves as the best investment in ensuring peace, security, stability, and prosperity across the continent.

“And to be clear, this not just my view – it is what people are saying across our continent. A recent European Union survey shows a strong majority of citizens support opening the European project to new members. The percentage is even higher among young people. People don’t just want to bring Europe to Moldova. They want to bring Moldova to Europe,” emphasised Metsola.

“Europe needs Moldova just as Moldova needs Europe.”

The EP president also announced the opening of a European Parliament office in Chisinau.

“I am proud to announce that we are officially opening a Permanent Representation Office of the European Parliament in Chișinău – a clear sign of our commitment to the Eastern Partnership countries and Moldova’s journey towards EU membership. With this office, we’ll be here on the ground every day – working alongside you, supporting you, and helping you keep up the momentum,” she said.

After the session, Metsola held a joint press conference with President Maia Sandu and met with Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

The opposition’s different approaches

The Socialists did not boycott the session with Metsola. Igor Dodon, the leader of the PSRM, stated, “Any external visit that enhances Moldova’s image is beneficial.” After Metsola’s speech, Dodon and other deputies gave her a standing ovation.

In response to a question from NewsMaker about the European official’s visit, Dodon said, “We welcome the visit of the President of the European Parliament. Any external visit that improves Moldova’s image is useful. Therefore, we will participate in the meeting, listen to the President’s speech, and extend a warm welcome to her. I believe this is the correct and reasonable approach. I don’t understand those who wish to boycott, if they truly do.”

In contrast, the Communists did not attend the ceremonial parliamentary session with Metsola. The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) stated that it was holding its own “festive events” on 7 November to commemorate the anniversary of the October Revolution. On this day, the Communists traditionally gather at the Lenin monument.