And thank you to the Republic of Moldova, for the extraordinarily warm welcome that you have extended over the last 2 days, here in Chisinau, Orhei and at Valea Morilor Lake. On the 4 of July, during the first EU-Moldova Summit in Chisinau, the EU and Moldovan leaders made a promise: that Moldova would rejoin the Creative Europe programme.
Today, less than two months later, I am here proudly to deliver on that promise. This is an extraordinary milestone from Moldova. It is a clear signal of the EU's unwavering commitment to the people of Moldova – and to their European future. By joining Creative Europe, Moldova sends a very strong signal to the whole continent: that Moldovan culture is part of European culture.
To recognise Moldovan culture as European is to affirm that Europe is stronger because of its diversity—and that Moldova's stories, Moldova's traditions, and Moldova's creativity belong at the very heart of our shared European heritage.So today marks very important cornerstone in Moldova's path towards EU membership – one that places people at the very heart of this process.Because for us culture is not a luxury. Culture is a necessity in a daily lives
of people.And Culture is a crucial part of democracy. Of European democracy.Culture is what grounds us in times
of uncertainty, and is a reflection of the shared values that unite us as Europeans of peace of democracy and of freedom. This is why Creative Europe stands as one of the EU's flagship programmes that supports culture and creative sectors and the industries.It is about opening doors – to new funding, new opportunities, wider networks
and even broader audiences – that empower creativity and collaboration across borders.
Through culture, we affirm that the path towards EU accession is both a political objective and a shared human experience, that is shaped and driven by the people of Moldova, and rooted in our shared future.
The significance of Creative Europe is underscored by the European Commission's recent proposal for the next seven-year budget, which plans for very significant increases in European funding for culture.
And it will be further guided by the upcoming Culture Compass.With today's signing of the association agreement, from the 1st of January 2026 as a Minister mentioned before, Moldovan artists and Moldovan cultural organisations will gain access to Creative Europe's actions under the Culture Strand, with Moldova being exempt from the entry fee.
The programme will elevate the visibility and competitiveness of Moldova's cultural sector.
It will nurture dynamic European partnerships and create new and tangible opportunities – from the mobility of artists, to cross-border cultural cooperation projects, and the circulation of Moldovan literary works across the continent.
Moldovan artists, through Culture Moves Europe, will be able to travel and work in over 40 participating countries.
They will share Moldova's unique talent supported by grants spanning architecture, heritage, design, literature, music, performing arts and visual arts.Moldovan organisations will join forces with European peers in cross-border cultural projects – expanding access to diverse cultural works, and fostering innovation.
Moldovan literature will reach new readers and hearts across the European continent, through support for translating, publishing and promotion of literary Moldovan works. And Moldovan cities will have the opportunity to compete for the esteemed title of European Capital of Culture 2033, in a competition open to non-EU cities
And Moldovan creatives will stand shoulder to shoulder with European counterparts, competing for prestigious European cultural awards in heritage, architecture, music and literature.Now this moment also provides the perfect stage to celebrate one of Moldova's cultural champions: Varvara Buzilă who I had a pleasure to meet yesterday, who will be the recipient of the 2025 Europa Nostra Award for her lifetime achievements in safeguarding Moldova's cultural heritage.The Prize, handed out in the scheme of the European Heritage Awards co-funded under Creative Europe, symbolises the vibrant cultural achievements emerging from Moldova.
It fills me with great pride and with joy that Moldova's heritage achievements will compete for these prestigious awards and the Grand Prix from next year onward. I look forward to celebrating many more Moldovan cultural champions in the years to come. Looking ahead, the future Creative Europe Desk in Moldova will be a vital hub – connecting local organisations to European opportunities, and building their capacity to make the most of these opportunities. In closing, I want to highlight that today's agreement is a tangible expression of the EU's enlargement promise. Moldova's path to membership is being built steadily, step by step, with real, meaningful benefits for its citizens along the way.
The European Union is proud to stand beside Moldova's creative community, and to help share Moldova's unique stories, Moldova's culture, Moldova's history, and Moldova's traditions with the world.Because the future of Moldova – Moldova's people, and Moldovan culture – belongs within the European Union.
Mulțumesc, Thank you"
