On Wednesday, April 30, in Chișinău, Moldova, Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, met with Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of the European integration agenda of the two countries, including the preparation of roadmaps in key areas: Rule of Law; Public Administration Reform; Functioning of Democratic Institutions. They also paid attention to the preparation of the National Program for the Adaptation of Ukrainian Legislation to the Law of the European Union.

A separate discussion was held on the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of European integration and the accession process, including regular exchanges of experience and expertise between the two countries.

"I am delighted that we have the opportunity to exchange views and experience in the framework of our accession process to the European Union. We clearly recognize the importance to continue deep internal transformations in Ukraine in the context of the challenges of russia's ongoing full-scale aggression. And in this regard, we are extremely grateful to have strong cooperation with the Moldovan team," the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasized.

The Deputy Prime Ministers exchanged experience in organizing preparations for the process of screening national legislation for EU law and discussed challenges on the path of transformation. Olha Stefanishyna emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova should stay together, maintain a sustainable dialogue, and help each other throughout the EU accession process, because “together we are stronger.”

Both sides highlighted the key role of Ukraine's and Moldova's accession to the EU in strengthening the bloc's competitiveness, security and defense capabilities.

"I believe that one of the goals of European integration is to ensure that we contribute to a united, stronger and more capable Europe. Ukraine has already made Europe stronger and more capable of defending itself through its resistance and struggle for freedom and European choice, and the enlargement process is key to preserving and intensifying this progress," Olha Stefanishyna emphasized.

The meeting was also attended by Director General of the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Oleksandr Ilkov.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine had a brief meeting with Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean and Minister of Justice of Moldova Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

With the Minister of Justice of Moldova she discussed the challenges of reforms in the justice sector, ensuring the rule of law and reforming law enforcement agencies, in particular in the context of building effective and credible institutions.

“The path to EU membership lies through fundamental reforms,” Olha Stefanishyna emphasized.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue the bilateral dialogue on the transformation agenda, as well as to enhance the exchange of experience and best practices. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of a systematic evaluation of reforms, both successful and those that have become a source of significant lessons for future decisions.