The European path of the Republic of Moldova must be regarded in a much more complex manner than the simple validation of a referendum. Moldovan citizens’ European integration aspirations were expressed many years ago, being strengthened both by the support of the diaspora and by their direct experiences in the European Union. At the referendum held last autumn, the Moldovans confirmed by vote that they have been waiting for integration into the EU for a long time, the head of the Parliament’s Commission on Foreign Policy and European Integration Ina Coșeru stated in IPN’s public debate “Image of the EU in the perception of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova".
The MP said that the Republic of Moldova has a consistent diaspora. Many Moldovans are also European citizens, having Romanian citizenship. Most of the citizens living in the European Union support the European path of the Republic of Moldova.
"Having the opportunity to live with the whole family in the EU and understanding what the values are and what life is like there, they want to see it at home. The number of supporters of European integration in the diaspora has increased, which was also confirmed in the elections," said Ina Coșeru.
With the opening of the accession negotiations, the Republic of Moldova will benefit from even more infrastructure projects to increase the living standards of the population and align them with European standards, said the parliamentarian.
Ina Coșeru said that the Russian Federation is interested in not allowing the Republic of Moldova to advance on its European path. Therefore, it channels very large funding so as to destabilize the situation through fake news, manipulation and propaganda.
On the other hand, the MP highlighted the huge assistance, including financial support, provided by the European partners, without which the Republic of Moldova would not have resisted in crisis conditions. The people must understand that the European Union stands with the Republic of Moldova and its citizens, stressed the parliamentarian.
The public debate entitled "Image of the EU in the perception of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova" was staged as part of the project "IPN News Agency for Social Cohesion and Pro-European Moldova", funded by the IMS.
