Sandu Is Setting Off on a European Tour to Strasbourg, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic

President Maia Sandu is visiting the European Parliament, the Netherlands and Prague this week. During her visit to Strasbourg, the Head of State will be awarded the Order of Merit of the European Union. According to a statement from the President’s press office, during these visits Maia Sandu “will promote the interests of citizens, partnerships for the security and development of the Republic of Moldova, as well as our country’s accession to the European Union”, reports logos-pres.md. During the European Parliament’s plenary session on 19 May, the President will hold discussions with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and representatives of the political groups: the European People’s Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Renew Europe, and the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA). As part of the visit, Sandu will be awarded the Order of European Merit – a distinction established by the European Parliament to mark the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. The award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to promoting European values and strengthening the European project. In addition, on 20 May, the President will be on a working visit to the Netherlands, where she will meet with Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. Following the meeting with the Prime Minister, both officials will make joint statements to the press. On 21 May, at the invitation of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, Maia Sandu will take part in the Globsec forum in Prague – one of the most important international platforms dedicated to security and foreign policy. On the sidelines of the event, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with President Pavel and deliver a speech on the Republic of Moldova’s experience in defending democracy and resisting external interference. “This week’s visits are aimed at promoting the interests of citizens in building a safe and prosperous country through partnerships and future membership of the European Union,” the press service stated.