The citizens do not know and do not feel that Moldova is an associated county of the European Union and the blame is borne by the ruling politicians, said experts invited to the program “Moldova live” on the public TV channel Moldova 1, IPN reports.

Former deputy minister of foreign affairs Iulian Groza considers that even if an Association Agreement was signed, the Republic of Moldova does not have the characteristics of an associated country. “This means first of all a state with the rule of law, where the fight against corruption is not only declared. After the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, many believed that things will change. But the number of pro-Europeans diminished and this is mainly due to those who are in power,” he stated.

Expert of the Legal Resources Center Ion Guzun also said that the authorities are to blame for the fact that Moldova does not have the specific features of an associated country. “Some of the TV channels that are controlled by politicians disseminate erroneous information as if we are an EU member state already. This diminishes confidence in the EU when things stand differently. We do not have equitable justice. We have persecuted judges and trials held behind closed doors,” he noted.

Political expert Aurelian Lavric said the Moldovans are far from the European values. “An associated country of the EU must assimilate particular European values. Our people do not understand these values. Most of our citizens are ready to support the public execution of those who are corrupt. For them, the oriental practices are closer than the European ones. But the EU means values, whose observance leads to higher living standards,” he stated.