Republic of Moldova
Council of Europe Office in Chisinau

The Republic of Moldova celebrates 25 years of Council of Europe membership

Today marks 25 years since the Republic of Moldova joined the Council of Europe - the leading human rights organisation in Europe, as the Republic of Moldova became a full-fledged member of the Council of Europe on 13 July 1995.

Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe: “25 years ago, the Republic of Moldova became the Council of Europe’s 36 member States. This has proved to be an important and a positive decision. Over the past quarter of a century, the Republic of Moldova has faced many challenges, as countries do when they are in the process of democracy building. These issues have often dominated the headlines, but despite this, we have established clear goals together and worked towards meeting them”.

Oleg Țulea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration: “The Council of Europe is a reliable partner, which has made a substantial contribution to strengthening the rule of law, democratising and modernising our society. Our country's cooperation with the institutions of the Council of Europe - the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the European Court of Human Rights and the Venice Commission ensures a platform for dialogue between parliamentarians, local elected officials, government representatives and civil society”.

Gianni Buquicchio, President of the Venice Commission, congratulated the Republic of Moldova and the Moldovans for the excellent collaboration with the Council of Europe and its institutions during the last 25 years. Since joining the Venice Commission on June 25, 1996, Moldova has sought more than 50 opinions from the Venice Commission, especially in the electoral, judicial and constitutional fields.

Josette Durrieu,  Co-rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for Moldova, observed the country's evolution towards democracy for more than 15 years. "Moldova's transition to democracy is of course a long way, too long now, too slow, but I want to express my confidence in Moldova, in the wisdom of its people ", said Josette Durrieu in the video dedicated to the 25th anniversary.

Egidijus Vareikis , PACE Co-Rapporteur on Moldova: “25 years in the Council of Europe – it is really an interesting time for Moldova, I think. Being the reporter of the country for the second time, I really have to say that I am a sincere friend of this country. We wish the country to be an interesting European nation, with full implemented human rights, laws, democracy”.

Corina Călugăru, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the Council of Europe: "The accession of Republic of Moldova to the Council had a major impact on the country’s institutional and normative framework, as well as on the personal life of citizens. I am glad that we have generations, including mine, educated in the spirit of the organisation's values. Embracing and endeavouring of these values by the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, is the natural path to assert ourself into the European family".