Peace and women have a great deal in common. In my role as Commissioner, I want to tell you that the essence of our work is to advance peace and security across the European continent. This is how the European Union began after the Second World War. The goal has always been to ensure peace, security, prosperity, and freedom throughout Europe.
Today, for the first time, we are negotiating with a country at war - I’m speaking about Ukraine - and peace plays an extremely important role in the accession process. We are returning to our roots, and that’s why I am truly glad to be invited here and to have the opportunity to speak before you.
By fostering prosperity on the continent and strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and by fighting corruption and organized crime, we have become one of the most successful peace projects in recent history - though we sometimes forget that. Even in my own country, Slovenia, when we joined the European Union in 2004 along with two other states, it was not about peace, but rather about seeing the world through the lens of prosperity. But now, I must say - what’s happening is that this successful project, this peace project that is the European Union, is built on the success of transforming societies.
And indeed, women are the driving force behind these changes - but I don’t like the phrase “behind”. I say now: women lead. And what comes next? I say: women lead and Moldova is moving towards the European Union.
You know, I often speak about this “trio.” What is this “trio”? President Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration Cristina Gherasimov, and myself, the Commissioner for Enlargement. So, our “trio” is leading the accession process for the Republic of Moldova, and I’m very happy that this is happening and that it is so clear in Moldova.
I am also delighted that the Republic of Moldova ranks 7th in the Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum. It’s wonderful that you are managing to place women in equal positions. You’ve turned gender equality plans into economic reality - and now you are doing the same in the defense sector.
The gender provisions in the Defense Strategy have already led to more and more women reaching leadership positions in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other law enforcement bodies. Congratulations, Daniella, for this achievement! In this way, women’s participation in peacebuilding missions and other institutions is increasing, strengthening both defense and societal resilience.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment lead to better decision-making for society. More voices mean better solutions. If we exclude half the population, the whole society loses. This should be obvious to everyone - unfortunately, it is not.
Women still face persistent gender stereotypes, especially in the fields of security and defense. We still have much to do to ensure the full inclusion of women - and this is true not only in candidate countries but also within the European Union itself.
To be honest, no country has yet achieved sufficient results to ensure complete gender equality and women’s empowerment - not enough has been done. But EU integration can be your opportunity to move forward. Together, we will work on the legislative framework and carry out the necessary reforms. Use the upcoming process as a chance to eliminate discriminatory laws. You can count on my support whenever you need it.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is inspiring to see a candidate country that has strong ambitions for women’s empowerment - and, more broadly, strong ambitions to join the European Union as soon as possible.
More women joining the security services raises the bar for everyone. This is how we achieve more, even before accession. I am glad to see a Republic of Moldova that leads. This demonstrates our determination - the foundation of our success today and tomorrow, within the European Union.
And I will be very happy on the day when we no longer need to talk about women in security or women in politics - because it will be something natural and self-evident.
We will be where we belong - in leadership positions, in important sectors, including in the context of enlargement and ensuring our shared future.
I am firmly convinced that women are strong. And to the gentlemen in the room - I have nothing against you. If you include us in more activities, you will only benefit. Women’s involvement would not be possible without men’s support. We need your backing, and I am counting on it.