European integration is the chance to modernize Moldova, ex-EU Representative

The chance to modernize Moldova is related to European integration, but both Moldova and the EU must do more in this respect, ex-European Union Special Representative for Moldova Kalman Mizsei said in an interview for Info-Prim Neo, which was {published on August 22, 2011}. Kalman Mizsei made the statement in the context of the things expected to happen in Moldova’s destiny after a period of 20 years of independence. “Even if I hadn’t been Ambassador of the European Union, I must say it frankly: I’m absolutely convinced that the chance to modernize Moldova is related to European integration. But this chance will not realize itself. For this, both the European Union and Moldova must do more,” he said. According to Kalman Mizsei, the EU must do better three things: 1. The negotiations on the liberalization of trade must take place more intensely because the official talks have not even started yet. The EU must be more operative and decided in this respect; 2. The visa-free regime; 3. The EU officials must know more profoundly what reforms Moldova needs in order to accelerate modernization, and expect strong and definite reforms from Moldova, without many compromises. “But Moldova must also do more. A powerful European orientation has been seen during the last few years in Moldova’s diplomatic activity and this is very good. At the same time, it is important that the internal reforms be as powerful as the foreign European integration. I can compare the current processes in Romania and the former Yugoslav republics. Former Yugoslavia was much more developed during socialism, but it witnessed wars, while Romania has been much more insistent in the European integration process and with the internal reforms. Thus, with all the experienced drawbacks, it is now much more attractive, including as regards the development of society in general, the infrastructure and business. Therefore, even if there are many shortcomings in Europe, the transforming force of Europe represents the most powerful source of modernization for Moldova in the future,” the former EU Special Representative for Moldova has told Info-Prim Neo.