The Republic of Moldova can become an EU member state earlier than in 2030. The optimistic forecast was made by the director of WatchDog.MD Community Valeriu Pașa. According to him, the regional context is favorable for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, while the Moldovan authorities need to make effort to fulfill the conditions put forward by the European Commission. For his part, ex-MP Iurie Reniță said the European Parliament’s request to initiate accession negotiations is historical and should be fully made use of, IPN reports.
In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, MEPs noted the EU accession negotiations with Moldova must start by the end of 2023, following the fulfillment of the nine steps identified by the European Commission. The text was adopted by 555 votes in favor, 49 against with 26 abstentions. Representatives of civil society in Chisinau said the European Parliament’s decision is historical and the moment of Moldova’s accession to the EU is closer than it was forecast when the EU candidate status was granted to Moldova.
“A realistic term for joining the EU is even earlier than 2030. The Republic of Moldova is a small country with an EU integration level higher than Romania’s level was in 1999. In the field of foreign policy, we aligned our policies to the policies of the European Union. The economic integration is at a very high level. Over 60% of the exports go to the European Union. Some 40% of the citizens are citizens of EU member states. 20% of the population effectively lives and works in the EU member states. There are important factors that can accelerate the European integration process. What we do at home also matters a lot. We have the nine conditions formulated by the European Commission and we much focus on their fulfillment,” Valeriu Pașa stated in the program “Secrets of the Power” on JurnalTV channel.
“It is a historical opportunity for the Republic of Moldova. Now the Republic of Moldova has a chance to get rid of the Russian influence. The Republic of Moldova must make every effort to use this window of opportunity as this favorable period will not be very long. This chance is created by the heroism of the Ukrainians, by the sacrifice of this country that protects us from the Russian invasion. Russia’s plans were to reach not only Kyiv, but also the Republic of Moldova, in February 2022. They really planned to be here, in Chisinau. We now have this historical opportunity and it would be very irresponsible not to take it,” said the director of the Institute for Strategic Initiatives Vlad Kulminski.
Ex-MP Iurie Reniță said that even if the war in Ukraine accelerates the European integration processes, the Republic of Moldova will become an EU member state on based on the efforts made inside the country, by reforming the state institutions.
“The message transmitted by the European Parliament by requesting the European Commission to initiate negotiations with the Republic of Moldova is a message of motivation and support for our country. Again, the external factor prevails and favors the Republic of Moldova’s coming closer to the European Union. Recently, we saw the statement of a secretary of state from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who said that only 40% of the nine conditions have been implemented. The homework depends on us. But if we bank on the generosity of those from the West, telling them that nothing has been done during 30 years, we will create obstacles to the integration into the European Union. It is time to act,” stated Iurie Reniță.
On Wednesday, after the European Parliament requested to initiate the EU accession negotiations with Moldova by the end of this year, President Maia Sandu said: “Moldova’s place is in the European Union. We enjoy the European states’ full support to become a member of the EU”.
