Moldovan President Says Romania Cannot Discard Expansionist Plans

Romania’s EU integration made things more complicated for Moldovans wishing to travel to Europe like Romanians do, Voronin said in an interview for the Spanish paper.

"I told the European Commission that with the acceptance of Romania in the EU, it should have abolished visas for Moldovan citizens and this way they wouldn’t have required Romanian passports. People need this passport to travel. But the EU is stubborn,” Voronin said.

He added he has raised this issue with EU officials several times and he will raise it again.

"In Europe, we want to travel via Brussels, not Bucharest,” Voronin said.

He added Moldovan authorities have drafted a three-year collaboration plan with the EU and are preparing to draft a more ample one.

"When we finish the new plan, (I hope) we’ll get the statute of EU-associate member,” he said.

Asked what Moldovan authorities expect by calling on Brussels to put democratic values before its solidarity with Romania, Voronin said: "Nothing good, in the near future. Romania isn’t aware it is in the EU and it needs to observe certain rules. Romania cannot discard its expansionist plans and so far has refused to sign a border treaty and a treaty regarding inter-state relations with us".