The creation of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia became a crucial moment in the process of solving controversial political problems, not only for Moldova’s statehood, but also for the whole Eastern Europe, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said in a ceremony held to celebrate 19 years of the adoption by Moldova’s Parliament of the Law on the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia in Comrat on December 23, IPN reports.

According to the EU ambassador, the given law is today studied by many in the EU. “This thing was indeed a wise step in a difficult situation. We know very well the history of Gagauzia and understand that the thoughts, reciprocal respect and the strict observance of the law not always dominated the relations between the autonomous region and the Moldovan authorities in these 19 years,” said Pirkka Tapiola.

The European official pleaded for the improvement of the legal framework that regulates the special legal status of Gagauzia. “This thing is very important as it will lead to the extension of the autonomous unit’s powers. I consider that my duty is to contribute to the implementation of the Law on the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia,” said the Head of the EU Mission to Moldova. He added that the European Union is ready to include Gagauzia in its confidence-building program.

“Our strategic objective is not only to help Gagauzia, but also to develop its self-government and to present this region as an example for solving political problems,” he stated.