Info-Prim Neo analysis from the Series “MOLDOVA-20! WHERETO?” The first episode of this analysis {(published on August 1, 2011)} argued that Moldova needed to proclaim in its Constitution European integration as the country’s development vector. Such a constitutional stipulation would make the process of modernization irreversible, would temper political spirits which are about to explode with unforeseeable consequences, would set Moldovan society on the path of peace and social tolerance. The idea can be formulated even simpler: “We have it, now what will we do with it? Where are we going?”. With or without the amendment of the Constitution, European integration is the only idea that can unite Moldovan society, marked by contradictions and fragmentation of various kinds. That’s why, regardless of its constitutional status, European integration must become the National Idea, which Moldova has lacked ever since its Independence. With or without, before or after the amendment of the Constitution, Moldova must realize this is a chance to lay clear and lasting foundations of the country, including by attracting society into this process. A National Pact for the Modernization of the Country according to European norms could establish some clear goals, mechanisms, costs, effects and roles for the participants in this process, including the country’s people or some organizations representing them. And it doesn’t really matter whether the pact is signed. It’s important that its spirit is known and accepted by society. The National Pact for the Modernization of the Country would help implementing the European integration message as the National Idea of all Moldovan citizens. Its actions would ensure that people realize what the advantages European integration can bring to each person and to the community and society as a whole are, as well as the period after which these advantages would be felt. People need to learn about the clear costs of the National Idea, what is required from them and from the community, and how long they should tighten their belts if required. Such an approach would leave less room for political speculation about the inevitable internal reforms. For instance, the current process of optimization of the number of schools, which is part of the education reform, could take place in far more favorable conditions if it was implemented within the National Idea, widely discussed and accepted by society. Thus, European integration, at this historic moment, is the only chance to surmount the huge problems Moldova faces as a country, as society or as each of its people in part. It’s the only chance to reach a European way of life from an economic, social or political point of view in the near future. At this stage, European integration is the only National Idea that can help overcoming the separation of society along territorial, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, political, ideological criteria. Sometimes, the division seems irreconcilable, so that a common, national supra-idea is needed to surmount the current situation of the state and society. Moldovans will have a personal stimulus to participate in the modernization of their country, in order to reach the European Union sooner, to become European citizens with full rights and a decent living, with European salaries and pensions, protected fundamental rights and freedoms, with confidence in their future. That’s the stake for each person. “Moldova won’t get accepted in the EU as long as its society remains divided by territorial, linguistic, cultural and political criteria. A society like this generates dangers and instability, and Europeans are cautious about such cases and have all the reasons to be. They won’t let instability into their house until Moldovan society modernizes, homogenizes, until integration processes fulfill their role as in all the other EU member countries”, professor Alexei Axan told an interview with Info-Prim Neo {(Published on April 19, 2010)}. The European integration process and the establishing and integration of the Moldovan state and society are interdependent and require a common approach. This is worth the amendment of the Constitution and the National Pact. According to polls in recent years, as well as general attitude and practices, the large majority of people would accept European integration as a National Idea. Thus, society should oblige the political elite to choose this direction of development for the country and make it irreversible. The National Idea and the National Pact will stimulate informed people to participate personally and to demand the authorities qualified and efficient involvement in the European integration process. This will help overcoming the deficiencies of the current approach to European integration. The main one is that the official message and the ordinary man’s perception are different. Authorities fail to make people take integration as a personal cause. The need for such a national idea was urgent ever since the Independence. There were a few attempts to implement some. The last one, that of “statehood”, promoted by the Party of Communists during its government, failed because it was forced and based on the idea of “enemy”, internal and external. The European idea, if promoted wisely, offers Moldova’s first chance to live without any enemies. [Valeriu Vasilica, Info-Prim Neo]