The loss of the US$1 billion represents a bell ring warning the political elites of Moldova that they must do reforms, considers Leonid Litra, expert of the Kyiv Institute of World Policy. He made such a statement in the seminar “Eastern Partnership Initiative after the Riga Summit: expectations and perspectives”, IPN reports.

“US$1 billion was lost and this is a very serious loss for the economy of such a state as Moldova. I think the money will not be found, not speaking about restoring it. On the other hand, we found out the situation in the country. Many of the state institutions do not work, while at those that function , conditions are created that ultimately make them nonfunctional too,” said the expert.

Leonid Litra noted that time has come for the political class and civil society to realize that the country needs reforms. “I’m tired of statements that reforms must be done because the European Union obliges us. Not the EU needs reforms. We need these reforms and the political class should realize this. We must go towards the EU not because this is prestigious, but because we want better living conditions,” he stated.

Speaking about civil society of Moldova, Leonid Litra said it should be invited to dialogue to discuss the problems together with the authorities. “It is now opportune to initiate discussions in a tripartite format: the politicians, the Government and civil society. Only this way will Moldova’s civil society become more powerful, while the government – successful,” stated the expert.

The seminar was staged by the Foreign Policy Association in cooperation with the Embassy of Latvia to Moldova.