The Institute for Development and Social Initiative “Viitorul”, with the support of the Foreign Policy Association of Slovakia, will implement the one-year project “Moldova’s regions deserve the future” in eight regions of Moldova where the support for the European course is smaller.
“Viitorul” program director Corneliu Ciurea has told IPN that the project has two components: exhibition of caricatures about the relations between the EU and Moldova, and public debates on the benefits and results of coming closer to the EU. A number of activities to support the European integration idea have been carried out since 2014. Some of these were successful, while others were less successful. “We want to see to what extent and on what aspects the fluctuations in the support for the European idea depend and how this idea can be promoted more successfully,” he stated.
Slovakia’s Ambassador to Moldova Robert Kirnag said the challenge of this project is to promote the idea of European integration in regions, especially where the population does not support the European course. The effort to build civil society is important and Slovakia can be an example of involvement of civil society in the decision-making process. The European integration, which is synonymous with the transformation process, is an opportunity for Moldova, while the contribution of civil society is important.
Daniela Morari, deputy division head at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, said the priorities of the Association Agreement with the EU include the creation of a platform for discussions with civil society for better informing society about the benefits of the rapprochement with EU and for monitoring the implementation of the Association Agreement at national level. Since the accord started to be implemented on a provisional basis, 11% of the national legislation has been adjusted to the EU’s. Moldova remains the only state in the Eastern Partnership that benefits from a visa-free regime with the EU.
Daniela Morari also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration is ready to provide information for the people to understand the provisions of the Association Agreement and of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU.
