The Republic of Moldova started to be associated with correct decisions taken by the government in the context of the threats posed by Russia’s war against Ukraine, German political scientist Anneli Ute Gabanyi, senior fellow of the Research Institute of Radio Free Europe in Munich and of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, stated in a public debate on the issue hosted by IPN News Agency.
“I would say that the Republic of Moldova for the first time in history started to be perceived in the West. There is news and it is very good news. The authorities’ attitude and Missis Sandu’s charisma contributed to this. Furthermore, a contribution was made by the very clear, correct condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with participation in different sanctions, which wasn’t initially envisioned and was even criticized by some of the officials of Ukraine,” said the expert.
She noted neutrality cannot be associated with naivety. “The question is, which is the alternative? For many years, I have supported the idea of neutrality that is strongly anchored in the collective mentality of Moldova citizens. I compare it with Austria’s neutrality that is powerfully fueled by the collectible mentality.” According to the expert, removing neutrality is equal to eliminating the factor that until now hindered Russia from connecting the Republic of Moldova to its expansionist plans.
In this connection, Anneli Ute Gabanyi wondered what should be done with Transnistria. She considers that if Russia achieved its intention to occupy the Transnistrian region, Moldova would get rid of the tail tin that hampers it on its road to European and Euro-Atlantic organizations. The EU should achieve a structured concept and a geopolitical idea. The Western Balkans during 20 years have waited for accession to the EU and this erodes confidence in the European institutions.
“At the moment, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (things with respect to Georgia are slightly different) should receive the prospect of a prospect. In the 1990s, I wrote an article, saying that it is impossible to clearly tell these countries that they do not have prospects of joining the EU. The people lose hope and many emigrate. Also, many Moldovans are influenced by Russia’s ideas that come from Russian media with Russian ideology and “color” a lot the spirits in this country,” stated the scientist.
Anneli Ute Gabanyi pleaded in favor of the international organizations, the United States, the European Union stabilizing Moldova economically. “This is key to show to the whole population that the West takes care of the Republic of Moldova. If this is done and the economic situation of the country is remedied after this received the largest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita, this will be the best argument for those who are yet influenced by Russia’s perceptions and by the Russian perceptions,” she stated.
The public debate entitled “What are the reasons and character of Russo-Ukrainian war? What do they tell the Republic of Moldova about?” was the 247th installment of IPN’s project “Developing Political Culture through Public Debates” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
