site.btaBulgaria Ready to Support Moldova on Its Path to EU, PM Zhelyazkov Says

Bulgaria is ready to support Moldova in its preparations for the upcoming EU accession negotiations by sharing experience, best practices, and lessons learned from its own EU membership process, said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during a meeting with the President of the Moldovan Parliament, Igor Grosu, the Government's press service reported on Monday.

“Our country can be a reliable partner in this process, which requires strong institutional preparation and sustained political commitment,” Zhelyazkov said. Both sides expressed a shared will to deepen bilateral cooperation, including through enhanced inter-parliamentary dialogue and expert exchanges.

The two officials also discussed common challenges on the path to European integration. Zhelyazkov noted that as Moldova progresses toward the EU, it is increasingly important to strengthen efforts against hybrid threats and disinformation, especially in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025.

“Bulgaria highly values the commitment of Moldovan institutions to democratic reforms and the rule of law. Building resilience against external influences is an integral part of the European path,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Zhelyazkov thanked Grosu for Moldova’s consistent support of the Bulgarian community in the country, which he described as a lasting bridge between the two nations and a pillar of their friendship. A key example of this cooperation is the recently opened branch of Angel Kanchev University of Ruse in Taraclia.

He added that the Bulgarian Government will further develop this cooperation by launching a new programme for children from Taraclia, modeled after the Erasmus programme. “Our goal is to allow 200 to 400 ethnic Bulgarian children each year to visit Bulgaria, learn about our centuries-old history, share in our common traditions, and practice the beautiful Bulgarian language,” Zhelyazkov said.

Grosu welcomed the opening of the Ruse University branch in Taraclia, calling it a clear message to ethnic Bulgarians in the region. “The University guarantees high-quality higher education, in line with top European standards, and opens career opportunities for young people in the European labour market,” he said.

Moldovan Parliament President also thanked the Bulgarian Government for its cooperation in the energy sector and its assistance in strengthening Moldova’s energy security.

The two sides acknowledged the strong economic ties between their countries and discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in energy, renewable energy, trade, tourism, high technology, and cyber security.

Grosu congratulated Bulgaria on joining the euro area, noting that the Bulgarian Government and institutions have done a great deal in a short time.