The executive director of the Foreign Policy Association (APE) Natalia Stercul said that she is a convinced supporter of Moldova’s integration into the European Union, which, in her opinion, is the obvious path that the country must follow. “Undoubtedly, this path provides an additional impetus and stimulus for development, not only for the state, but also for the citizens. I hope very much that most of our citizens realize and, in general, society reached the degree of maturity to understand that our civilizational choice is Europe,” Natalia Stercul stated at a debate entitled “Stages, objectives and benefits of the negotiation process with the EU”, organized by APE.
Natalia Stercul believes that the idea of European integration must become a national one. The accession to the European Union is today the objective of the Republic of Moldova. The European integration process brings qualitative changes, which was already confirmed by the steps that have been taken so far. At the same time, the success in implementing reforms depends on each state player because a lot of work is needed. “Of course, we have all kinds of internal difficulties. We have different political preferences, opposite visions, but the European integration process involves reforms in all areas, starting from legislative initiatives up to the provision of services. Certainly, we are talking about a qualitative change in all the areas, which is important for every citizen,” noted the APE director.
In her opinion, the European Moldova project is an idea that must find a reflection in the perception of every citizen. “European Moldova is associated with qualitative changes, with another level of development for cities and villages, with the creation of new jobs, with a better quality of life, another level of the health system, education – all these benefits that every citizen needs to have a high-quality life in a free and democratic state,” said the APE director.
Referring to the referendum on European integration, Natalia Stercul appreciated the campaign to consult and promote this initiative. “All these efforts of the President’s Office, President Maia Sandu in particular, have an important role. However, the time for preparations is very short as October will come soon. In the Republic of Moldova, although it is a small state, there are particular regions, localities where there is a lack of information. For this reason, this promotion and information campaign should be extended,” stated the APE director.
She believes that the population must have access to very detailed information about the necessity and opportunity of the referendum on European integration. “European integration gives us the opportunity to change, to develop, to have constant development. Certainly, nobody talks about prosperity right from the start, but it will be a qualitative and constant development that will generate results and benefits in the future for all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, for future generations. Therefore, this opportunity to make this civilizational choice has an extremely important role for every citizen,” said Natalia Stercul.
This debate was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the authors of the opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States government.
