European integration is a painful process that requires a serious effort from society, Marius Lazurca

European integration is a painful process that requires a serious effort from society. Before being a beautiful perspective, it’s something painful because it imposes harsh reforms and costly from all points of view. The statement was made by Romanian ambassador in Moldova Marius Lazurca at the Press Club in Chisinau. “It’s clear that once you are engaged in this painful process, you see the costs first and then the benefits. At some moment comes discouragement and it manifests through negative electoral, politic and sociologic effects”, declared the ambassador. According to him, the Moldovan population reacts normally to the effort required of it and, slowly, the costs will diminish and benefits will come. “The main benefit Moldova deserves the liberalization of short-term visas for all Moldovan citizens. Our position is that this could be done quickly, perhaps even this year. Moldovans could obtain a free regime for stays under 90 days”, said Marius Lazurca. Asked about why Moldovan’s enthusiasm about European integration is fading and the wish to join the Eurasian Union is rising, the ambassador dismissed any comparisons between the two structures. EU is a political construction with an admirable biography of over half a century and produced impressive results. On the other side, the Eurasian Union is only a proposal which isn’t even clearly defined yet. “That’s why is useless to talk much about the Eurasian Union. We don’t know the contents of this proposal, its importance or longevity of the idea. It’s hard to compare a venerable political construction with an idea. It’s inappropriate even in an opinion poll to compare incomparable things. I wouldn’t take it seriously”, said Marius Lazurca.