US Deputy Secretary of State to Visit Moldova to Discuss Economic Recovery and European Integration
The United States Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment, Jose Fernandez, is scheduled to visit Moldova from February 8 to February 10. This trip is outlined by the Press Office of Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and expand constructive dialogue on shared economic priorities.
According to the official statement, the deputy secretary will push forward cooperation on a positive economic agenda and bolster an inclusive path to economic recovery. The emphasis will be on practical steps and collaborative initiatives that can help Moldova endure current financial pressures and build resilient growth for the longer term.
During the visit, Fernandez is expected to meet with senior government officials to discuss a range of measures aimed at addressing the energy crisis, stabilizing inflation, and mitigating the adverse economic effects stemming from the conflict in Ukraine. Officials will also examine Moldova’s ongoing process toward European integration and explore alignment on reforms that support deeper economic and trade cooperation with the European Union and allied partners.
Following his engagements in Chisinau, the deputy secretary will travel to Paris. In the French capital, he will focus on supporting the recovery and rebuilding efforts for Ukraine, contributing to regional stability and reconstruction partnerships that benefit Moldova and neighboring countries as well.
Former Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita highlighted Moldova’s authorities’ intention to begin negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union by the end of the year, signaling a clear strategic direction toward deeper European integration and reform. This stance reflects Moldova’s broader goal of anchoring growth in EU standards and creating opportunities for its citizens through closer political and economic ties.
Janis Mazeiks, who leads the Permanent Delegation of the European Union in Chisinau, suggested that Moldova’s agreements within the Commonwealth of Independent States may not meet EU requirements. The EU Ambassador to Moldova reiterated that Moldova will eventually need to participate in sanctions against Russia, underscoring the alignment of Moldova with EU policy directions amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has characterized the West as focusing on Moldova as a potential counterpart in a broader geopolitical scenario. He recently stated that Western actors are positioning Moldova in a role akin to a new Ukraine. In parallel, Moldovan President Maia Sandu has expressed a determination to pursue closer ties with Western institutions, including consideration of NATO partnerships as part of Moldova’s security strategy. These framing elements reflect the high-stakes environment in which Moldova is navigating economic, political, and security pressures while pursuing gradual reform and greater integration with Western structures. The conversations and diplomatic signals surrounding this trip underscore Moldova’s balancing act between advancing reforms, stabilizing its economy, and strengthening international alignment with partners who share a forward-looking outlook on regional security and prosperity.
Source attribution: Press Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova. Additional context provided by the EU delegation in Chisinau and Moldova’s government communications indicate a coordinated approach to economic resilience and European integration efforts during this period.