President Nikos Christodoulides and Moldovan President Maia Sandu pointed out the central role of EU enlargement in Europe’s strategic future, following talks on Monday in Nicosia, the first visit by a Moldovan head of state to Cyprus in more than two decades.
Speaking after their meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides said the visit comes at a ‘very important juncture’, just 19 days before Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He stressed that Nicosia’s upcoming presidency will prioritise delivering ‘an effective and results-oriented presidency’ aimed at strengthening a more autonomous, resilient and prosperous EU.
‘EU enlargement – a strong geopolitical tool – is an integral part of our vision,’ President Christodoulides said, noting that the policy has long proven its value as a driver of reforms, progress and stability. Drawing on Cyprus’ own accession experience, he noted how membership had a ‘substantial and multidimensional impact’ across all sectors of Cypriot society, and expressed hope that Moldova would soon enjoy similar benefits.
A tangible example of progress, he said, is Moldova’s inclusion in the EU’s free-roaming zone from 1 January 2026, which demonstrates the practical advantages of advancing on the accession path.
The Cypriot President praised Sandu’s government for its ‘admirable commitment’ to reforms despite external pressure and constant hybrid threats. He reaffirmed Cyprus’ ‘steadfast and substantive support’ for Moldova’s EU perspective and pledged to work actively during the Cypriot presidency to advance enlargement.
‘We will make every possible effort to deliver concrete, positive developments in the next six months that bring Moldova closer to our shared goal,’ he said.
President Christodoulides also pointed to deepening bilateral ties, noting the political will on both sides to enhance cooperation in justice, education, police collaboration, transport and energy. He thanked Moldova for its consistent support on the Cyprus issue, based on EU principles and international law, and assured that the Cypriot presidency ‘will stand by Moldova not with words, but with specific actions’.
Sandu: Cyprus can champion a credible and ambitious enlargement agenda
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President Sandu said it was a pleasure to visit Cyprus as it prepares to take over the EU Council presidency, adding that both countries are ‘united by the same aspiration – a continent that is whole, free, secure and prosperous’.
Describing the visit as taking place ‘at an important moment for Europe and our bilateral relations’, she said she hoped it would inject new momentum into deepening cooperation. The two leaders held what she described as ‘strategic and encouraging’ discussions on Moldova’s accession process, regional security, bilateral ties and continued solidarity with Ukraine.
Sandu stressed Moldova’s decisive stage on the road to EU membership and its strong expectation that Cyprus will promote a credible and ambitious enlargement agenda during its presidency.
‘EU accession is not only a strategic objective, it is the most important national project since our independence – a survival strategy while an aggressor continues to threaten our sovereignty,’ she said, noting that Cyprus understands better than many the importance of resilience and defending sovereignty.
She stressed that enlargement consistently strengthens the EU. ‘The European Union benefits from a stronger, more stable, more democratic Moldova anchored in the European family. Enlargement has always made the Union more secure, more prosperous and more capable globally. Moldova wants to add to that strength.’
Sandu highlighted Moldova’s solidarity with Ukraine, noting that with a population of 2.5 million, it managed over one million refugees crossing its borders and provided shelter to around 100,000. She also pointed to Moldova’s contributions to European security through peacekeeping missions, civil-protection mechanisms and efforts to counter hybrid threats.
She said Moldova now faces a ‘window of opportunity’ with all state institutions aligned on a pro-European reform agenda. Advancing accession at this moment, she argued, strengthens the EU’s eastern frontier, supports Ukraine and prevents malign actors from exploiting Moldova’s upcoming electoral cycle.
‘We are accelerating reforms, strengthening the rule of law, aligning our economy with EU standards and enhancing our resilience,’ she said, reaffirming that Moldovans have repeatedly voted for a European future.
Expressing gratitude for what she called a constructive dialogue and Cyprus’ openness to support a presidency roadmap that includes progress on Moldova’s accession negotiations, Sandu said she is confident cooperation will deepen as Cyprus takes over the EU Council presidency.
‘Together we can advance the vision of a stronger, safer and more united Europe,’ she concluded, adding that Moldova is ready to contribute and ready to move forward.