Romania’s President expects 1.5 million Moldovan applications for Romanian citizenship this year

There are 800.000 Moldovan citizens who requested the Romanian citizenship and Romania’s authorities expect that by the end of this year, their number could reach 1.5 million out of a total population of 3.8 million, Romanian President Traian Basescu was quoted as saying in an interview with the Pro-Vest TV show, broadcast Sunday, February 4, on the Pro TV channel. “I am afraid the applicants outnumber the level of ethnic Romanians from R. Moldova “, has concluded the Romanian President. Basescu also stated that if Romania granted citizenship to all applicants it would create a serious problem to the Europeans. The head of state also added that he explained to the European Commissioners that it is essential that Moldova is offered an European perspective, so that Moldovans can enjoy the freedom of living and working in Romania without having a Romanian citizenship. Referring to the visa problem, the Romanian president has declared that “it is a shared responsibility”. Chisinau hasn’t approved the opening of the additional two consulates in Balti and Cahul, which puts a greater pressure on the Chisinau Consulate. After the discussion with President Voronin, there have been done some compromises, and it is likely now that this week, the other two consulates might start functioning, which would help out a lot to decrease the current pressure on the Chisinau Consulate, as stated by the president. During the show, Basescu has reiterated that Romania will support the European integration of Moldova. “This is one of those issues that represent a national interest for Romania and one that we will promote within the European Union”, the Romanian president said. Currently, Romania counts a labour force deficit of 200.000 persons, a shortage that could be easily covered by Moldovans if Moldova would join the EU, the Romanian president concluded.