Lithuania ready to share EU integration experience with Moldova – Nauseda

VILNIUS - Lithuania is ready to help Chisinau on its path of European integration, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said in Moldova on Tuesday as Moldova is set to hold a referendum on EU membership in the fall.

"The EU integration path is not easy, but it is worth the effort. Lithuania is ready to help Moldova on this path by sharing its experience, expertise and support for the implementation of reforms," Nauseda said during the Baltic leaders' meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

"We have valuable experience in countering hybrid threats, working on strategic communication and countering disinformation. This is an area where our countries could successfully cooperate," the Lithuanian leader said.

During the meeting, Nauseda also said that the launch of negotiations on Moldova's accession to the EU was an important achievement and recognition of the country's efforts to implement reforms, the presidential press service said.

As the presidential election and referendum on EU membership approaches in Moldova, Russia will undoubtedly spread disinformation and propaganda in Moldova and will seek to sabotage the country's further European integration by other means, Nauseda warned, adding that the democratic world's support for Moldova during this period is crucial.

Moldova applied to join the EU after Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. After Moldova was granted candidate status in 2022, EU countries launched accession negotiations on Moldova and Ukraine's accession earlier this summer.

Nauseda also stressed how it was important for Moldova to work towards full implementation of reforms in the areas of the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms, the transposition of EU law into national law, and focus on strengthening institutional and administrative capacities.

The Lithuanian leader also expressed support for the EU-Moldova Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership aimed at strengthening Moldova's resilience and capacity to ensure security in the country.

The Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian presidents are attending events marking Moldova's independence, and are also scheduled to also meet with the country's President Maia Sandu.

Moldova will hold a referendum on EU membership on October 20, alongside a presidential election in which Sandu will be seeking re-election. If the vote is successful, the country's Constitution will be amended and state that EU integration is a "strategic objective of the Republic of Moldova" and will include a separate chapter on this process.