The civic activism of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova is growing and, at the same time, there is a dialogue on different levels, including with the help of civil society, through civic initiatives, various NGOs that become a bridge between citizens and state institutions. Even so, it is necessary to work much more intensively in the direction of communication with the citizens in order to explain to them, in a language adapted to the population, what the benefits of European integration are, how the European Union (EU) can help us all, what the role of decision-making processes in this regard, such as the referendum, is and what further steps we will take on the path to European integration. The participants in IPN’s public debate “Advantages and responsibilities of the citizen in strengthening the country’s European future” discussed the advantages and responsibilities of citizens and decision-makers in the process of joining the EU.
Natalia Stercul, executive director of the Foreign Policy Association (APE), spoke about the role and active participation of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the process of joining the European Union and the civic spirit of the Moldovans in this process. “As for the opinions of the people from various regions of the country, obviously they are diverse. There is a lack of information and this is felt. Not all the citizens fully understand the negotiation process, the integration into the European Union, what the referendum entails, etc.” stated Natalia Stercul.
According to the APE executive director, depending on the region from which the citizens come, but also the political influences, the polarization of opinions and the inconsistency between actions contribute to increased vulnerability in the European integration process. “I would divide the citizens into three categories, not necessarily because they have fully opposite opinions and attitudes. There are citizens who, regardless of the area they come from, are in favor of joining the EU, are glad that there are such opportunities in Moldova. They see and feel that the future of the Republic of Moldova is in Europe. There is another category of citizens, who have a neutral position towards the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. They share particular fears related to security, especially the citizens who live near the Security Zone. They ask themselves questions in this regard: who will defend them in case of possible dangers after integration and they are in favor of maintaining neutrality. And the third category of citizens – those who are against the European path of the Republic of Moldova. As a rule, these are elderly citizens. Indeed, this part of society needs to be talked to more because experience shows that they are potential active voters,” said Natalia Stercul.
Public policy expert Andrei Curărar said that it is necessary to speak in a language accessible to the entire population about the benefits of Moldova’s accession to the EU and how the European family can help each citizen. “It is, after all, the role of decision-making processes, including the referendum, but also the steps we will follow on the path of European integration. On the other hand, we have some preconceptions, a series of myths related to the EU and the fight against them is not easy at all,” stated the expert.
He also said that this is an activity specific to public authorities, which often face the fact that, on the one hand, they come up with a positive agenda and try to promote many good aspects, and, on the other hand, society does not see the difference, for example, between NATO and the EU. “They consider that European integration is equivalent to liberalizing the sale of land, which is not true. Or that it implies the mandatory renunciation of traditional values, etc. After all, the citizen is subject to that information that is in his bubble of opinions. That is, if there is a group of people around you who are skeptical towards the European integration, they will look for information that confirms this fact. Speaking of the national authorities, they have belatedly started an information campaign about the European Union. We see that other actors involved - political parties, citizens’ groups - are seeking to explain what the EU means, those values, but, in the end, a sustained effort is needed to ensure this phenomenon of European integration is understood,” stated public policy expert Andrei Curăraru.
Viorel Furdui, executive director of the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM), noted that the constant interaction between various groups of citizens with the public authorities of level I and II on the dimension of European integration of the Republic of Moldova plays a rather important role and this must be talked about constantly. “Our finding is that we do not know how to inform the world and society about all the positive aspects and benefits that one phenomenon or another brings, especially when we talk about integration into the big European family,” said Viorel Furdui said.
Referring to the synchronization of the activities of the public authorities with the European integration desiderata coming from the citizens, the executive director of CALM said that vertical and horizontal communications should be a main factor in this direction. “The question is where this example of synchronization comes from and who should give these messages and positive impulses of constructive approach, cooperation and sustainable partnerships. And I believe that all this must come, for the most part, from those who are at the helm of the country. In fact, at all times, over 80% of the mayors in the Republic of Moldova have always been clearly aware of the benefits of European integration and have always, for the most part, been pro-European. Why do I say this? Because the people know what funds are used to repair a section of road, to set up street lighting and they know very well through their experience and understand very well the importance of this accession. And we must take into account the fact that the connection between the citizen and the national authorities is always ensured through the mayors,” said Viorel Furdui.
The public debate entitled “Advantages and responsibilities of the citizen in strengthening the country’s European future” was the first installment of the project “Benefits of Moldova’s accession to the EU for people, community and country”, which is supported by Soros Foundation Moldova. The content of this debate does not represent the official position of Soros Foundation Moldova.
