(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, 29 SET - "Since the founding of our Union, physical and political integration have been inextricably linked. Today, our Union is preparing to expand again on the same principle. Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans are getting closer to us, and we are already constructing physical links to bring them closer to Europe. Consider Moldova, for example. For decades, much of its transportation infrastructure was geared towards the east. Today, we are assisting Moldova in connecting with the West; we are supporting the construction and upgrading of links with Romania, because we know that every railway line we connect and road we upgrade brings our future Union closer together." This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the opening ceremony of the 'Connecting Europe Days' event, which is currently being held in Brussels. (ANSA).