In order to have an effective influence, the EU must remain an impartial arbiter, but at the same time, totally dedicated to implementing the necessary reforms correctly, writes political researcher Dionis Cenușa in an analytical article for the IPN News Agency.
The researcher considers that the European institutions must properly read the signals transmitted by the Moldovan policy. He points out that major reforms can only take place if the efforts of political parties are combined. The relations between the main parties are vitiated by deep distrust and antagonisms, which is why the governing coalitions are unpredictable and the institutions can easily become collateral victims, explains Dionis Cenuşa.
In his opinion, to keep Moldova on the path of reforms, Brussels needs some essential landmarks.
First of all, the researcher warns that the European integration is a political objective assumed by Moldova, not by an individual political party. Therefore, the ACUM bloc’s departure from power should by no means be equated with the end of the European vector. On the contrary, the EU's vigilance towards the execution of the Moldovan commitments to the Association Agreement, quantified through conditionality, is the primary guarantee for the non-abandonment and further ramifications of major reforms, emphasizes Dionis Cenuşa.
Secondly, there is the need to correctly interpret local political realities. Mutual speculation - between the power (PSRM and yet unofficial allies) and the opposition (ACUM bloc), will multiply. This, considers the political scientist, implies from the Europeans discernment and a nuanced approach. He predicts that objective neutrality and criticism applied at mass media level and civil society, funded from European sources, will help create effective and credible pressure on governance.
Finally, the reasercher recommends the start of a comprehensive analysis and monitoring of the effects of Eurasian integration, promoted by the Socialists, on the parameters of Europeanization. By studying the Moldovan case, the European institutions can understand what are the intentions and capabilities of overlap generated by the hybrid affiliation to the Eurasian Union, in which President Igor Dodon attracted Moldova, the researcher concludes.
