European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has officially opened a European Parliament Office in Chișinău, Moldova, during a visit aimed at reinforcing the country’s ongoing path towards European Union membership.Her visit followed the European Commission’s annual Enlargement Package report, which confirmed that Moldova has made significant progress on its EU accession journey.Addressing the Moldovan Parliament, Metsola said that for the country, “the European promise is no longer a distant idea on the horizon… it is happening now.” Drawing on her own experience as a Maltese citizen, she reflected on Malta’s 2004 EU accession and the transformative power it had for her country.“I know what European Union membership can mean for a country and its people,” Metsola said, adding that enlargement is not a “gesture of generosity,” but rather the EU’s “strongest geopolitical tool and an investment in collective peace and security that benefits everyone involved.”She concluded her address by assuring the Moldovan people that the European Parliament will remain with them “every step of the way.”During her visit, President Metsola met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, praising the country’s progress. “Moldova’s progress is remarkable, and the European Parliament will continue to match Moldova’s dedication with action,” she said. “The time has come for Moldova to launch accession negotiations and move closer to the European family.”Later, Metsola and Sandu participated in a European Youth Dialogue, where the European Parliament President encouraged young Moldovans to take ownership of their country’s future. “The future is yours. Write it. Make it happen. We will be with you every step of the way.”Metsola also held meetings with the Prime Minister of Moldova, Alexandru Munteanu, and Speaker Igor Grosu, as part of her ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the EU and Moldova.Do you think Moldova is ready to take the next big step and officially join the European Union? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)•