Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that the course towards European integration will help the country to remain free and democratic, Vocea Basarabiei reported.

"The European Union is our chance to remain a free and democratic country, because we are in a difficult region, where for many years there will be uncertainty and there will be risks to our sovereignty, freedom, independence, unfortunately. We must be realistic and through the European Union we have the chance to consolidate ourselves as a democratic country, to become stronger, to be able to ensure the security of our citizens, to offer opportunities for economic development and for improving living standards," Sandu said. She added that the Moldovan authorities will do everything to move faster on the path of European integration.