On the occasion of the start of her mandate in the Republic of Moldova, Natalia Voutova, the new Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău, held her inaugural meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi. Discussions focused on the strong partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the Council of Europe, ongoing democratic reforms and priorities for co-operation in support of Moldova’s European path.

Natalia Voutova congratulated the Deputy Prime Minister on Moldova’s successful Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers and the strong political dimension it brought to the country’s engagement with the Organisation.

I am honoured to take up my duties in the Republic of Moldova at an important moment for the country’s European future. The Council of Europe will continue to stand alongside the Republic of Moldova as it strengthens democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the foundations of resilient democratic societies and essential elements of Moldova’s path towards membership of the European Union.”

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028 as the main strategic framework for co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Moldovan authorities. Through targeted support for reforms and institutional capacity, the Action Plan contributes to strengthening human rights protection, democratic governance and the rule of law, while helping Moldova advance reforms relevant to its European Union accession process.

Particular attention was given to the need to maintain reform momentum and strengthen the resilience of the Republic of Moldova’s democratic institutions and society. These priorities are closely aligned with the Council of Europe’s New Democratic Pact for Europe, which seeks to reinforce democratic security across the continent by strengthening democratic institutions and processes, protecting fundamental freedoms, promoting meaningful participation in democratic life and increasing societies’ resilience to threats to democracy.

Both sides underlined that the Council of Europe standards, its monitoring mechanisms, and expertise provide an important basis for reforms in areas that are also central to EU accession, particularly democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights.

The Head of Office reiterated the Council of Europe’s commitment to supporting the Republic of Moldova in translating European standards into sustainable reforms and tangible improvements for people, as well as the readiness of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău to maintain close and active co-operation with the authorities, civil society and other partners.

The Republic of Moldova has made important progress on its European path, driven by the commitment of its institutions and the engagement of its citizens. These achievements deserve recognition, while important work remains ahead. The Council of Europe will remain a committed partner supporting reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights and uphold the rule of law. By investing in these shared European values, we strengthen Moldova’s democratic resilience and contribute to a stronger and more democratic Europe. The authorities and the people of Republic of Moldova should be proud of these important achievements.”