The recommendations formulated by the European Parliament photograph a series of challenges faced by Moldova and other countries of the region, expert in political sciences Dionis Cenusa says in an opinion article for IPN Agency.

The expert notes that the recommendations adopted on September 14, 2017 emphasize the change in the electoral system without the broad consensus of civil society and the opposition in a move to favor the ruling parties. Georgia, as Moldova, experiences similar deviations.

The recommendations also make reference to the measures taken by the authorities to undermine the activity of civil society. In Moldova, the authorities tested the idea of restricting the external financing for NGOs that deal with public policies.

The regression witnessed in Ukraine is much more serious because civil society involved in anti-corruption projects can anytime become the target of state institutions specialized in corruption fighting.

According to Dionis Cenusa, of the over 20 recommendations intended for the European institutions, three are decisive.

First of all, Brussels should make sure that the European values are fully implemented and promoted by the countries with Association Agreements. Secondly, it is suggested renewing partner states’ commitments concerning the implementation of reforms related to justice, public administration and corruption fighting. Last but not least, it is requested to strengthen civil society, which plays a crucial role in promoting reforms.

The proposals related to the labor market, energy, transport, investment funds and others are important, but these do not ensure the qualitative and sustainable modification of the situation in Moldova or any other EaP country, warns the expert.

Dionis Cenusa concludes that if the state institutions or justice remain unchanged, the length of life of European investments will be short, while their main beneficiaries will be not the people, but corrupt politicians.