The Moldovans have an increasing sense of urgency focused on rebuilding Moldova’s state capacity – as a “home“ - to make it a strong, independent, stable, functional and self-respecting nation. Growing demand for more domestic stability, more effective government and more balanced neighborly relations with all interested parties are evident. This is coupled with the notion that local reforms must come first, EU membership (perspective) after, shows a survey about the perceptions of Moldovans towards the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Customs Union (ECU), commissioned by the Slovak Atlantic Commission, IPN reports.
In the presentation of the survey, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said that although public opinion about immediate economic benefits, preferences and market accessibility of the EU and the ECU may be divided, there was no doubt amongst respondents that cooperation with the EU offered a more stable outlook into the future. The European direction is now decisively regarded as part of Moldova’s national interest and strongly associated with “living better and facing the future with more confidence“.
Although Moldovans think they are perceived in Europe as “second-rate“, poor and underdeveloped, they also feel they are important as “the only state in the region with a favorable attitude to the EU“. Respondents also feel they can trust the EU, and that the EU, in return, has trust in Moldova.
The survey shows that the Moldovans experience a sense of rivalry between the EU and the ECU and express a growing concern about the prospect for constructive dialogue between the EU and Russia. As Moldovans felt split between the two alternatives, they strongly preferred, at least in the short term, more balanced relations with neighbors, including Russia. But no respondent referred to the ECU as a foreign policy priority.
All respondents indicated that they wanted to see healthy and balanced relations with all their neighbors, and especially with Russia and Ukraine, while anticipating the development of closer ties with Europe.
Associate Fellow at the Central European Policy Institute Balázs Jarábik said that according to the survey, what the EU does corresponds to Moldovans’ needs. The Moldovans cannot yet choose between the EU and the ECU, but want communication and understanding with both of the unions.
Transnistria was no longer seen as an obstacle to further European integration. Respondents felt that Transnistria has become too different compared to them. They also felt it proved it could survive independently from Moldova and many believe the government should „let it go“. Editor-in-chief of Kommersant.md Vladimir Soloviev said such a perception is not surprising as nothing was done during 22 years to resolve the Transnistrian conflict.
