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| Anatol Țăranu | |
Sociological surveys show a slight numerical superiority of the supporters of European integration among the citizens of the Republic of Moldova over the supporters of joining the Eurasian Union combined with the undecided ones. The situation in this regard will become clearer or, conversely, will become more complicated after the referendum of October 20, when the citizens of the Republic of Moldova will formalize their attachment to the EU. But whatever the result of the referendum of this autumn is, the public debate and the ideological struggle for people’s minds regarding the choice of civilization for the Moldovan society will continue for a long time to come.
From this perspective, an insightful analysis and explanation of the process of joining the European Union is required, which will bring a number of significant advantages for Moldovan society. Here are just a few of them:
Access to the single market and economic development:
The economy of the Republic of Moldova integrated into the economic area of the European Union will benefit from free access to one of the largest markets in the world, facilitating exports and attracting foreign direct investment. The access to a vast and competitive market will certainly stimulate economic growth and the development of local businesses, while the elimination of trade and tariff barriers will facilitate exports and imports, providing opportunities for Moldovan producers.
The access to the European single market will boost economic growth by developing trade, attracting foreign direct investment and developing the private sector. At the same time, the adoption of European regulations will contribute to creating a more transparent and predictable business environment, stimulating entrepreneurship and economic development. Just as EU membership will increase Moldova’s attractiveness before foreign investors, due to increased economic and political stability and access to the single market.
Funding and assistance:
The EU is already providing technical and financial assistance in the pre-accession period to help candidate countries implement the necessary reforms in areas such as:
- justice and home affairs;
- competition and the internal market;
- environmental protection;
- social policy and employment.
Immediately after accession, the Republic of Moldova will be entitled to access structural and cohesion funds, which are meant to reduce economic and social disparities between the community members. Judging by the practices of the states that joined the EU in the last wave of enlargement, Moldova, after accession, will be able to benefit from consistent technical and financial assistance to implement the necessary reforms and raise the standard of living of the population, achieved in a relatively short period of time.
Judging by Romania’s example, its GDP saw a spectacular growth in the period after joining the EU, which meant a multiplication of the main economic index by more than five times in lei and more than three times in euros, underlining an unprecedented economic expansion and consolidating Romania’s position as an emerging and dynamic economic player on the European arena. This impressive economic growth of Romania demonstrates the tangible benefits of integration into the European economic and political organizations, stimulating investments, modernization of infrastructure and increasing the quality of life of the member states.
Political stability and security:
The entry into the EU will provide Moldova with a greater degree of political stability and security through the affiliation to a strong geopolitical bloc. As an EU member, the Republic of Moldova will become part of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), which will provide Moldova with access to EU military resources and capabilities, contributing to strengthening the national defense capabilities. Throughout the existence of the European Union, no member country has been militarily attacked from outside or within, unlike its Eastern counterpart – the Commonwealth of Independent States - in which several states have been attacked even from within or are threatened with aggression, in particular, by the Russian Federation.
Through cooperation in the Field of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA), Moldova will become part of European cooperation in combating organized crime, trafficking in human beings and terrorism, strengthening its internal security.
As part of the EU’s Common Energy Policies, Moldova will have direct access to the common European energy market that guarantees greater energy security and can reduce dependence on external sources, thus ensuring greater economic and political stability for the Republic of Moldova.
Raising living standards:
EU membership is associated with the improvement of the quality of life by increasing wages, reducing unemployment and improving working conditions. After it becomes an EU member country, Moldova will have access to various funds and financing programs aimed at developing infrastructure, education, health and environment. These funds will help modernize less developed regions and reduce economic disparities between various communities, especially between the living conditions of Moldovan townspeople and villagers.
Alignment with European standards and regulations will lead to a solid improvement in the quality of life of Moldovan citizens by improving public services and infrastructure.
Moldova’s membership in the EU will imply the adoption of higher standards in terms of consumer protection, food safety and environmental protection, which in turn will contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens. The European funds will guarantee the modernization of the transport, energy and communication infrastructure, thus facilitating mobility and connectivity within Moldovan society.
European funds and policies will help improve public services, such as health and education, by funding projects and initiatives aimed at raising the standards and accessibility of social services and assistance.
These are just some of the potential benefits of Moldova’s accession to the EU, and their real impact will depend on how Moldova implements the necessary reforms, but also on the domestic and international context. And in conclusion, EU accession will be an important catalyst for Moldova’s economic and social development, contributing to increasing the living standards of Moldovan citizens through the many benefits and opportunities offered by the EU to the member states. No other civilization development project for the Republic of Moldova can offer the Moldovan citizens a more realistic and attractive prospect of increasing the standard and quality of life than the EU project. At the October 20 referendum, Moldovan society will demonstrate its spirit of foresight, showing its dexterity to survive in a world full of risks and existential challenges.
IPN publishes in the Op-Ed rubric opinion pieces submitted by authors not affiliated with our editorial board. The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily coincide with the opinions of our editorial board.