Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine have potential to strengthen EU - Sandu

The leaders of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine are aware of the need for reforms on their path to EU membership, but they are convinced that members of the Association Trio have the potential to strengthen the EU.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said this in a press statement after the leaders of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia approved the Batumi Summit Declaration.

Sandu said Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine wanted to build a Europe in their countries, but one day, they would also like to become members of the European family.

According to her, all member countries of the Association Trio are aware that the first and most difficult stages is what needs to be done at home, strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, ensuring the independence of justice and anti-corruption institutions, and restoring the confidence of citizens.

"These reforms are our duty. We can neither postpone nor bypass them. […] We signed the Batumi Summit Declaration today and we want to achieve more. […] Our common desire is to join the European Union on the basis of our merits - democracy, the struggle for human rights, the consolidation of our democracies. We believe that we have the potential to become member states that will strengthen the EU," Sandu said.

The Batum Summit Declaration, approved by the heads of state of the Association Trio, states that accession to the European Union is a common goal for Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, which has no alternative.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine