Moldova holds interest for the European Union because, by its example, it wants to show that the reformation of a state is possible, Eckart Stratenschulte, director of the European Academy Berlin, said in the public debates “Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area: importance, commitment and development prospects for Moldova” that are financed by the Hanns Seidel Foundation and organized by the Institute for Development and Social Initiative “Viitorul”, IPN reports.
The German professor said the EU was founded with the objective of not allowing a world war like the two of the last century to happen again. The initial goal was not to establish economic cooperation relations as rather the economy was given the role of an instrument in achieving the main goal.
According to Eckart Stratenschulte, the Eastern Partnership wasn’t a success in every case. Belarus could not be involved; Azerbaijan didn’t express interest in the EU policies, while Armenia, under the external pressure of Russia, refused to continue the rapprochement with the EU. As to Ukraine, the situation is not clear owing to the problems faced by this country. Now the EU counts on the success of Moldova and Georgia only.
The director of the European Academy Berlin also said that by annexing Crimea, Russia divided again Europe and now the EU wonders what Moldova will choose. The European Union does not behave like Russia and will not decide to boycott the Moldovan wine if somebody in Moldova insults for example the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. The EU ensures stability and the respect for the rule of law.
Klaus Fiesinger, head of the Section for Central, East and Southeast Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia of the Hanns Seidel Foundation Institute for International Relations and Cooperation, said that Serbia is now negotiating its entry into the EU and the European officials hope that a new conflict with Kosovo region will be avoid if this country joins the EU. The same approach is adopted in the case of Moldova with its Transnistrian region.
Klaus Fiesinger stated that the Hanns Seidel Foundation is an organization that assists the transformation processes. As Moldova is now before a long road towards change, it will be supported by the foundation on this path.
Daniel Seiberling, head of the Representative Office of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Romania and Moldova, said that when he visited Chisinau he understood how important the association with the EU is for the country. Adopting the European values in the current regional situation is as important.
