In the recent past, the relations between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova developed better at economic level rather than at political level and a part of the difference is due to the human factor. EU Ambassador to Moldova Peter Michalko formulated such an opinion in an interview for IPN News Agency, which centered on the results of the implementation of the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement in 2017.
“The economic integration opens up to the Republic of Moldova access to the largest market of the world, if we consider the power of the market - 500 million consumers in the European Union with big purchasing power – on condition that the same level of standards is ensured. This applies to the quality of production, which is also the general principle of access to the EU market. Instead, the Republic of Moldova has access to EU assistance for meeting these standards, which is important not only for exporting to the European Union, but also to everywhere in the world. At the same time, such a relationship, based on economic integration, is the best vising card or, if you want, invitation to investors, which can be sure they will have access to the European market if they start a business in Moldova,” stated the Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau.
„As regards the association relationship, this is a phase typical for countries that go through transition, transformation and reforms that have not only an economic dimension, but also ensure the proper transformation of society. This relationship is based on the common values mentioned in the preamble to the Association Agreement.
„Consequently, the “paradox” to which you refer can be explained by the fact that a number of objective factors are involved in the economic integration processes, in the form of standards, for example, while the other areas linked to the transformation of society are related mainly to subjective factors that are, for example, political in nature, connected to mentality, traditions, professional training, etc.”
In such circumstances, the economic component of the Moldova-EU relations in 2017 witnessed a better development than the sociopolitical one. “We do not have the final results of trade for the whole year, but I think we can say with certitude that it is a trajectory of significant growth given that two thirds of Moldova’s total exports go to the European market. I think this is a proof of the EU’s openness about which I spoke. The industrial products represent 70% of these exports and this fact has two positive aspects. The first is that there is big potential in the agrifood sector, while the second is the evidence of the big potential of attracting investments for industrial production with high value added. This means jobs and good salaries for Moldovans,” stated Ambassador Peter Michalko.
