Joint Committee on European Union Affairs díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 May 2023

EU Accession Progress of Moldova: Engagement with Ambassador of Moldova

An Cathaoirleach

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Larisca Miculet. I gather that the ambassador is joined by Mr. Igor Moldovan, counsellor to the Embassy of Moldova. We are joined by a number of people in the Public Gallery. I acknowledge the presence of the ambassadors of Ukraine, Georgia and Poland to Ireland and thank them very much for being with us here today. At today's meeting, we will discuss Moldova's EU accession process and related matters.

Before we begin, I will read the standard privilege note. I remind all witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution.

With that standard bit of housekeeping done, I am delighted to have the opportunity to call on the ambassador to make her opening statement.

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

To the Chairman, the distinguished members of the committee, the ambassadors and the members of the Moldovan delegation, I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an update to this esteemed committee on Moldova's application for EU membership.

On behalf of the Moldovan authorities, I express our deep appreciation to the committee and other Irish authorities for their unwavering interest in the developments in the Republic of Moldova, and the profound discussions in the Oireachtas and committees, including this one, regarding the Moldovan situation at this critical juncture for our country. We are grateful to Ireland for being a consistent supporter of our country and for the assistance provided on various dimensions, particularly in supporting Moldova’s efforts at EU level in its path towards EU candidacy. We also appreciate Ireland’s firm position on EU enlargement, which advocates for a diverse European Union based on shared values. Ireland’s optimism regarding the expansion of the Union to include Moldova on merit-based progress is encouraging. The success story of Ireland as an EU member state over the past 50 years, which has been widely celebrated in the country, showcases an extraordinary transformation with a positive impact across all dimensions of society. This remarkable achievement serves as a true inspiration for Moldova on our path toward European integration.

Regarding the update on Moldova’s EU membership application, I am pleased to inform the committee that since being granted candidate status for EU membership by the European Council on 23 June 2022, the Republic of Moldova has been diligently working to enhance its justice system, bolster energy security, increase resilience, counter hybrid threats and make necessary preparations for EU accession. We are actively adjusting the activities of public administration to align with the accession logic. We have enabled 35 working groups corresponding to the 35 accession criteria. They began functioning in March. These working groups have already produced the first Moldovan contribution to the European Commission enlargement package for 2023, which was submitted on 19 April. We have also developed a third non-paper on the implementation of the nine recommendations, which has been shared with EU member states and provided to the members of this committee.

Allow me to highlight some examples of the progress we have made thus far. First, legislative reforms and judicial system improvements are crucial and very important for us. Moldova has actively worked to improve its legislative framework. Reforms have been made to the Superior Council of Magistracy, prosecution procedures and the checking of asset declarations of candidates in judicial and prosecutorial positions. Additionally, the country has approved a new electoral code in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission. These measures aim to enhance the transparency and integrity of the justice system in the country. This is one of the conditions placed on Moldova.

On enhanced security measures and governance, Moldova has taken significant steps to enhance these. The adoption of the law on cybersecurity aligns with the EU directive on the security of network and information systems and bolsters the country’s defences against cyber threats. Furthermore, the policy planning framework has been strengthened through the implementation of strategies such as the public administration reform strategy, the strategy on public property management, the strategy for development of internal affairs, the national programme for recovery of criminal assets and the programme for the support of the Roma population. These initiatives contribute to good governance, effective public resource management and the overall resilience of Moldova.

Another aspect is transparency, efficiency and electoral integrity. Moldova has focused on improving transparency and efficiency in various sectors. Rules regarding public investment projects and public procurement have been enhanced, ensuring fairness, transparency and efficient allocation of resources. That is very important for countries like Moldova. In addition, the capacity of the Central Electoral Commission has been strengthened to better control and oversee party financing, promoting the integrity of the electoral process.

There have been some achievements and collaborative efforts. Moldova’s progress and achievements have been recognised in several independent indices, including, to name a few, the Transparency International corruption index, the Reporters without Borders index and the gender inequality index. I also stress that Moldova has actively collaborated with like-minded partners such as the US, UK and EU to limit the power of oligarchs through international sanctions. Efforts to regain control over the Chisinau International Airport from a Russian-based company allegedly controlled by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor showcased the country’s commitment to sovereignty.

Regarding resilience and administrative capacity, Moldova has demonstrated resilience in successfully managing multiple crises, many of which have been discussed at this committee, including the refugee crisis, the gas crisis and various hybrid attacks, while continuing to make progress on reforms and the EU accession process. The country has also strengthened its administrative capacity by creating new positions focused on EU affairs, because this is also crucial for us, and establishing inter-institutional working groups aligned with the EU accession criteria.

Moldova’s commitment to progress, resilience in the face of challenges and determination to align with EU standards and values are evident. These accomplishments underscore Moldova’s readiness to pursue EU membership and its dedication to becoming an integral part of the European Community. We believe the significant and sustainable progress made in implementing the nine recommendations will serve as a solid and credible basis for the European Commission to recommend launching accession negotiations in October 2023 and for the European Council to decide on this matter in December 2023. We count very much on Ireland’s vocal support at that time and in this process.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had a significant impact on Moldova.

Our GDP fell by 6% last year and inflation reached 35% in 2022. We have also faced hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns that have affected various sectors of our economy. I wish to note that Moldova plays host to 85,000 Ukrainian refugees. We support them and are in solidarity with them. Half of them are children who attend schools or kindergartens. More than 5,000 refugees have asked for protection, which was enabled by a decision by my Government. I refer to temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees.

Moldova is facing large-scale hybrid warfare tactics, including energy blackmail, and massive disinformation campaigns to destabilise the political and social situation in Moldova, which are being conducted by the Russian Federation. There has also been an increase in paid protests in Moldova, the blocking of roads and streets, and interference with the normal functioning of government institutions. These tactics are drawing much needed resources towards assuring the security and stability of the country. The biggest challenges include violations of Moldovan airspace and constant illegal border crossings. I wish to draw the attention of members to the rise in attempts by suspicious third-country citizens to enter the country and it is a really big number. In this challenging context, we are determined to further strengthen the resilience and security of our country.

We very much welcome, and this was supported by Ireland, the adoption by the European Parliament on 19 April of the resolution on the challenges facing Moldova. The document accurately describes the alarming situation we find ourselves in because of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and Russia's subversive actions against Moldova. We greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the EU to manage the challenges we are facing. The EU supports have been very instrumental, particularly in the energy sector and humanitarian assistance facilitated through the EU civil protection mechanism.

Moldova is interested in further strengthening co-operation with the EU in the field of security and defence through various mechanisms. I described the mechanisms in more detail in my statement that was submitted to the committee and I will name one of them. Moldovan authorities highly appreciate the outcomes of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held on 24 April 2023 because a decision was taken to establish the EU partnership mission to Moldova. The partnership mission was launched on 22 May and will focus on combating hybrid threats, cybersecurity and disinformation. All of that are extremely crucial areas for us.

I wish to reiterate that Moldova greatly appreciates Ireland's support at EU level and agreement on a new bilateral framework as we concentrate our efforts on the key areas of energy, transport and trade. In the energy sector, for the first time in our history we have diversified our energy sources. Regarding transport, we are delighted by the inclusion of Moldova in the Connecting Europe Facility. In the context of trade, the EU decision of increasing the tariff quotas for the export of Moldovan agricultural products to the European market is of utmost importance and enables us to tap into new opportunities and expand our trade relations. With Ireland's support, alongside the broader co-operation of the EU, we are confident in advancing Moldova's development, fostering integration and enhancing the well-being of our nation.

I want to stress the following at this meeting. Despite the vulnerabilities and challenges that we face, particularly in the wake of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, there is strong political determination of Moldovan authorities and widespread support among the Moldovan people for promoting reforms and pursuing our dream of joining the democratic world.

Moldovan people at our national assembly, which took place on 21 May, in Moldova, and where such gatherings took place comprising the Moldovan diaspora in cities, including Dublin and Cork, firmly stated that our path is European integration. The participants adopted a resolution that urged an amendment to the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova to establish the irreversible and definitive accession of Moldova to the European Union.

I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Moldova will host the second meeting of the European political community on 1 June 2023. We are preparing for this grand event and that is very challenging for a small country like Moldova. We warmly welcome the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the Irish delegation to Moldova. Their participation will further strengthen the very dynamic political dialogue between our countries. The event will be attended by Heads of State and leaders of the European Commission, the European Parliament and so on. Delegates will have valuable opportunities to engage in substantive discussions.

To conclude, I wish to say to the distinguished members of this committee that we rely on the openness and readiness of Ireland in further assisting the Republic of Moldova in its European integration process. I am quite confident that together, we can work towards a brighter future for Moldova as a member of the European Union.

An Cathaoirleach

I thank the ambassador for her opening remarks. Everybody has indicated a wish to engage and the first person was Deputy Haughey.

Deputy Seán Haughey

I welcome back the ambassador and thank her for her comprehensive report. She came here shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The invasion was a very dark day for her country, and for the European Union in general but obviously we have been working through the implications of the invasion ever since. I congratulate the ambassador on the progress that Moldova has made with the Copenhagen criteria and congratulate her on the various reforms that are taking place.

The ambassador has said that Moldova has 85,000 Ukrainian refugees. How is Moldova dealing with hosting so many refugees? I presume that caring for them is a huge challenge. The ambassador might tell me some of the practical difficulties that the situation has placed on Moldova.

In the last few days there have been pro-government demonstrations in Moldova.

Will the ambassador tell me a little about the background to that? Why did so many people feel the need to come out onto the streets to demonstrate pro-EU sentiment? I am interested to hear her take on those public demonstrations.

My colleagues will obviously have other questions. I may come back to the issue of hybrid warfare and all the ambassador said about that. Perhaps my colleagues will take that up. I wish the ambassador well. She mentioned that she expected negotiations to commence in October, with a view to the European Council taking a decision in December. We will certainly be behind Moldova in that regard. I hope that decision will be made at the Council's meeting in December. I wish the ambassador well with the European political community. It is a major show of solidarity to have that meeting in Moldova and I wish her well with its organisation. There are one or two questions in there somewhere.

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

I thank the Deputy for his words of support and his very positive words about the progress that Moldova has made. I thank members in general for their support. As I said, we always follow the discussions in the Oireachtas and at this committee. This positive and optimistic support that we hear energises our people and authorities.

Regarding the 85,000 refugees who are in our country, as I said, we are very glad and determined to support them by as much as they need that support. As we discussed at this committee in February and March, at the beginning it was a little challenging because there was a big flow of women and children who needed protection and the mechanism to do so was not in place. Currently, however, everything is going very smoothly because we have not been left alone. International organisations are with us, as are European member states and the European Commission. There is a very clear mechanism on how to support accommodation and other aspects, for instance children's education. Children can attend schools and even learn some subjects through the Ukrainian language. The Moldovan authorities concluded that our capabilities were not as strong at the beginning, but at this moment we are saying we are strong enough because we managed, in a very good manner, to organise this process. As was said earlier and as I reiterate now, this is because it involved our brothers, sisters and neighbours. Moldova is helping as an entire community. We always say words of appreciation to the Moldovan people who stepped in and did a lot of work by themselves.

A large number of people recently expressed, and constantly express, support for this path of European Union integration. They first expressed their support legally through elections. For instance, during elections for the President of Moldova, we had 12,000 people in Ireland, who were in the middle of tough Covid restrictions and everything, whose vote was very much pro-European. This aspiration was reiterated in later parliamentary elections in Moldova, and those held in Ireland. Some 99% of the votes were pro-European.

As I said, different organised attempts were made to destabilise political and other aspects. I am speaking of the political situation in the country. Paid protests and other different tools were used. That is why the President of Moldova, Ms Maia Sandu, called this national assembly on 21 May for people to show and speak again about what the Moldovan people want. Different polls show a high level of support for the European Union. On this occasion, and we are very grateful that Ms Roberta Metsola was also with us to show solidarity, it was reiterated that the people of Moldova, and they will never go back, want to follow only a European path. That assembly took place in Moldova and in more than 40 cities around the world, including Dublin and Cork, where the diaspora expressed its support. They live here and know that.

Deputy Seán Haughey

That was perfect. Thank you very much.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

I thank the ambassador. I see she did not arrive here alone. She and her officials are all very welcome. There will be a fair amount of agreement on this matter, which we do not always get in the wider House. We all know how Ireland benefited from accession. Some may find it strange that I say that.

Deputy Brendan Howlin

Late conversions are always good.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

We all see the advantages of the European Union. We also see the particular geopolitical circumstances we are in. The term "new momentum" was used with regard to accession. That could probably be phrased as "real momentum" because it was not real previously. We are in the world we are in and, unfortunately, some of that has happened because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Moldova has obviously done a considerable amount of heavy lifting in that regard and still has a considerable population of refugees.

I will follow on from some of what Deputy Haughey said. It would be fair to say there was probably always a sizable grouping within Moldova that was not necessarily in support of EU accession. The changed world has changed that percentage. I imagine the demonstrations and all of that are an element of a considerable number of the Moldovan people wanting to express the fact that they see the EU as the only show in town regarding where they want to be.

The ambassador brought up a number of issues. A number of very important strides have been made by Moldova but, from what the ambassador said, it is being met along the road by the EU. She spoke reasonably regarding the Venice Commission and those moves that are necessary to meet the Copenhagen criteria. Are there, or have there been, any difficulties? We are talking about a significant amount of change, public administration, electoral reform, and de-oligarisation, which is a term nobody can ever pronounce properly. Moldova is doing all that in the context of being very close to Russia. We talk of hybrid warfare and cyberattacks and all the rest of it, but it is very real. How does Moldova deal with diversification and energy security, particularly given that it has been very reliant on Russia?

The hybrid and cyber threats are real. Will Mrs. Miculet detail the types of disinformation being employed by what I believe she is saying are probably state actors or state-sponsored actors? Has she had any engagement with the EU or with social media companies directly? Sometimes, their algorithms facilitate such actions.

I commend Mrs. Miculet. It was a comprehensive report, which made it difficult to ask questions.

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

I am pleased that the Deputy is aware of the details of everything that happens in Moldova. He described it precisely.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

Just to interrupt, but I neglected to say that we had spoken in considerable detail about Moldova's proximity, the issue in Transnistria and how we had expected some events to happen that did not. I imagine Moldova always has the sword of Damocles hanging over its head.

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

Absolutely. The Deputy described it precisely. The EU resolution on what Moldova is facing described precisely the entire picture of how we are managing the various crises and struggling to make progress on these chapters' conditions on EU accession. It is not easy. On the one hand, we have to be careful and not miss anything that presents a threat to our security. On the other hand, we have to do constructive work to ensure progress.

The Deputy mentioned that the Moldovan people supported the European process. I will stress again that, in such a fragile security environment, people understand even better than before that the EU is a project of peace, democracy and prosperity. Over the past year, I did a lot of research ahead of Ireland celebrating the 50th anniversary of its joining the EU and I found many of the same issues we are facing now. For example, the Irish asked themselves about the potential risks and unknowns. That was difficult for Ireland at the time whereas seeing that EU countries are prosperous and democratic is easier for us now. We want peace in our country. We also want to see Ukraine and Georgia as members of the EU. That is why there is now a large consensus among our populations.

I have described a few of the reforms. In the energy sector, for example, there was a significant challenge for us in autumn 2022 because we had only one source of gas, namely, Russia. For the first time in our history, though, we managed to diversify. We connected our system to Romania, so we now have gas from other pipes. In recent days, the European Commission declared that it would help Moldova purchase gas for next winter at other prices. This will increase our resilience and allow us to go further.

Small countries have to support one another and we count on Ireland very much. Bilaterally, we are working with experts from the Department of Foreign Affairs on how we can implement Ireland's expertise in various areas, for example, absorbing EU funds. I will not go into detail, but we are doing that work because Ireland is a great example of a small country becoming prosperous through membership of the EU.

Deputy Ó Murchú asked me about disinformation. The Russian Federation uses different tools within its country and abroad. Our capability to counter disinformation grew stronger because we worked with various experts from the EU, which is definitely ahead of us in this area. We were capable of identifying many sources of such information and taking measures. Some television stations and mass media were financed heavily by the Russian Federation. Moldova took the appropriate measures that a state was obliged to take. We launched a mission in Moldova that will concentrate efforts. It is led by a Romanian diplomat, which is pleasing, and comprises specialists and experts in the field. They will concentrate on disinformation, cyber threats and so forth. I am optimistic in this regard.

An Cathaoirleach

I thank the ambassador. Now, I call Deputy Howlin.

Deputy Brendan Howlin

I am not Deputy Ó Murchú, despite what the sign says.

I thank the ambassador. It is an important signal that she is accompanied by her brother and sister ambassadors.

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

Absolutely.

Deputy Brendan Howlin

It is an act of union-----

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

A great phrase.

Deputy Brendan Howlin

-----and solidarity that is appreciated and understood by us, in that everyone wants to be in lockstep. I was one of the Deputies who was privileged to visit Moldova, to be well briefed in Chişinãu about exactly what was happening and to see it at first hand.

I have a couple of questions. Regarding energy, we saw Transnistria while we were there and it was clear to us that the Russians were sustaining Transnistria by supplying what was essentially free gas to that enclave. Transnistria is generating electricity that it is exporting to the rest of Moldova at a subsidised cost. Mrs. Miculet has explained the gas situation, but is Moldova still dependent on that source for electricity, is that source vulnerable or has Moldova diversified in electricity as well as it has in gas?

Regarding complying with the Copenhagen criteria and the European acquis, it was clear to us that, even since we joined, it has become infinitely more complex to work your way through the legal structures of accession. Not to put too fine a point on it, but one of the issues was Moldova's administrative capacity to do that and the need for external support. Is Moldova getting that support and is there anything we can do to help it work through the legal instruments and so on?

My next question relates to our experience in Moldova of seeing refugees. It has in excess of 80,000, very similar to the numbers we have in Ireland.

That is putting a strain on our capacity, especially to provide accommodation, but also healthcare and so on. One of the most memorable meetings we had was with the Moldovan health minister who was clear that additional resources were needed to cope with the influx. In respect of Moldova's population base, it is a significant imposition to have to provide adequate healthcare. Is that need being met and can we do more?

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

I thank the Deputy and I reiterate our gratitude for the visit to Moldova at the end of March or beginning of April, which was a time of need. It was an important time for Moldova. Regarding the Deputy's questions, not only gas but electricity is also a topic of our resilience. We faced different difficulties, especially, as the Deputy mentioned, Transnistria. There were tough, in-depth meetings which were not easy and in which the appropriate representatives of Transnistria and Moldovan authorities discussed these issues and found some formulas for solutions. We hope they will last but we are working on further improvement of tools of supply of electricity to Moldova.

We also want to start to implement green policies and solutions for sourcing energy in Moldova, and we have started doing so. At the same time, we are connected to European - Romanian - lines for electricity. The only difficulty is that we are connected through Ukraine and when there were attacks on those lines in Ukraine, the entire country of Moldova was also left for five hours without electricity. Our authorities, ministries and experts are working with the European Union on different formulas so as not to be dependent on sources that are vulnerable. We want to ensure our system will be settled in this way. As I said, we are working with the EU on being connected to different energy lines in Europe.

Deputy Brendan Howlin

Is Moldova still importing electricity from Transnistria?

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

We are.

Mr. Igor Moldovan

We are buying it, not importing it.

Deputy Brendan Howlin

It is importing and paying for it. What percentage of Moldova's electricity demand is that?

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

I do not know at this moment but we can check and come back to the Deputy later.

I mentioned that EU member state support was and is crucial. I see the ambassador of Poland is present. The ambassador supports us here in Ireland and Poland, as a country, supports us a lot, as do other member states. I will focus on Ireland.

We are grateful for the €5 million in assistance that was delivered to Moldova and for the previous assistance to help refugees. Bilaterally we discuss all Moldova's needs and how Ireland can help. Recently, two high-level officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs visited Moldova. One was an expert on security and the other was an expert on general EU matters such as European partnerships and so on. There was in-depth discussion of how we can meet Moldova's needs and of the opportunities and possibilities for Ireland to help us in the endeavour of EU accession. Every day we speak to representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Our needs are passed on immediately and we receive a good response from them. That is why we will work further in this bilateral frame to make it more efficient, speedy and so on.

Regarding the health system in Moldova, all refugees, especially those who requested that the protection mechanism be implemented for them individually, can get health assistance in the same way as Moldovans. That was the case from the beginning. We have many Ukrainian newborn babies in Moldova and their mothers had the entire support of our system. Of course the Moldovan health system is probably not as strong as we would like it to be, especially, as the Deputy said, as the number of refugees we have is putting additional pressure on the system. However, we have received help. We had a list of needs regarding not only medicine but also investigative instruments. We have received help and I assume we are managing at a good quality level at the moment but there is a long way to go. Health systems are a weakness in many countries, including rich countries, and that is also true of Moldova but our authorities pay deep attention to this important sector.

Deputy Brendan Howlin

Can I correct myself if I may? I misspoke when I said that Moldova is importing from Transnistria. A country cannot import from itself. I apologise.

H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet

No. We understood.

An Cathaoirleach

We have concluded the round of questions. I will conclude with some remarks rather than questions. First, it is important to place on record again the incredible work the Moldovan Government and people are doing in dealing with welcoming the influx of people from Ukraine. The ambassador stated they are brothers, sisters and neighbours of Moldovans. It is important for us to recognise the strains and difficulties a country of our size that is quite prosperous and wealthy has seen in doing so. Therefore, particular credit is due to the ambassador's country and people for the manner in which they have accepted almost the same number of people as we have. I know how difficult that can be. As I stated earlier, I had the opportunity to visit, not only the capital, but different parts of Moldova. It is a fabulous country.

It is a country that is, from what the ambassador has said here today, as well as from the previous engagements she has had, doing everything on that accession path to meet those Copenhagen criteria.

Deputy Howlin and, I believe, Deputy Ó Murchú referred to the importance of us supporting that because there is a lot of learning from what we went through as a country. This is not just in terms of the eventual outcome but in terms of the steps along the road. It can be quite difficult for a country to adjust to what is required to meet not just the criteria but the spirit and the overall situation of becoming an accession country and then becoming a member state.

Every country that has joined the EEC, the European Union or any other version of it since its inception, has had to go on a journey. It is very important that the existing member states are reaching out and showing that willingness. Certainly in Ireland, we are very supportive and we will continue to be supportive in what we can do to help Moldova and the other accession countries to develop that greater EU, which will be the bedrock of future European security in this century.

I would like to conclude by thanking the ambassador for coming in today. I thank her for the breadth, depth and length of the engagement she has given our committee. As there are no additional, final comments, I will say "Thank you very much" and we will conclude our meeting.

The joint committee adjourned at 11.11 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.