“The signing of the Association Agreement on June 27 is a fundamental step for Moldova’s integration into the European bodies and the successful implementation of this agreement opens broad possibilities for joining the EU,” Axel Schäfer, deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party’s faction in the
German Bundestag, said in an interview for the Foreign Policy Association, quoted by IPN. On July 3, the Bundestag will adopt a resolution by which it will support Moldova’s European prospect.
“As regards the motion, the German Bundestag will support the European prospect of the Republic of Moldova. This is a process and a path that must be covered,” said the German official, mentioning that Moldova must respect the agreements reached by common consent so as not to lose this chance. “Yes, we want the Republic of Moldova to become a member of the European Union. In order to ensure regional stability and security, we must offer clear prospects for the future integration, in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty of Lisbon,” said the German MP.
Axel Schäfer noted that the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, as an integral part of the first, are only a first step after which Moldova should obtain the status of candidate for accession to the EU. The path to the EU for Moldova, judging by the experience of the 1980s, will mean a period of 10 to 20 years. For example, this process in Spain and Portugal lasted for ten years and this is a good benchmark for Moldova.
In the third Moldova – EU Forum staged by the Foreign Policy Association in Balti, chairman of the German – Moldovan Forum in Berlin Manfred Grund said that Germany will back Moldova to get a clear European prospect. After the signature of the Association Agreement with the EU, Moldova will become one of the most attractive places for European investments.
“The European integration for Moldova means more than economic benefits. Moldova has a European prospect, which means the status of member state in the future, surely if you want this. Europe must be built at home and then, if the Moldovans want to come to the EU, they will find Europe’s gates open,” said Manfred Grund.
In the same forum, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany Gerd Müller said it depends only on the Moldovan people if this European prospect is achieved. Germany supports Moldova and, together with the EU, wants to contribute to the modernization of its infrastructure and the optimization of the state bodies and to come with investments so that the country comes closer to the European Union step by step.
