With highs and lows, 2017 is nearing its end. It is a good time for conclusions. On this occasion, IPN has gathered good thought from all over the globe, this time only good thoughts, from decision-makers and from those on the receiving end of these decisions. What good has come of 2017? This is the question we posed to the people who have accepted to join us in our pursuit of the good in our surroundings and in the events that affect us. Although many things do not follow our wishes, winners are the people and societies that learn to see challenges and lesser things as extra opportunities to get involved and make things better. For each of the topics we approach, we provide rankings that reflect the opinions of those who developed them. Read further for the good things 2017 has brought to foreign policy.
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Top-5 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration:
1. Common border crossing with Ukraine opens on the Kuciurgan-Pervomaisk point, on 17 July 2017.
“This is meant to facilitate free circulation of people, goods, and vehicles, along with food products and excisable goods. This step is yielding positive effects and — in spite of attempts by authorities from the self-proclaimed region of Transnistria to dismay businesses from using the Kuciurgan Border Crossing Point — so far, no incidents have been recorded. Early in 2018, we plan to move onto a new phase and expand control over other crossing points on the central/Transnistria segment, under the new inter-Governmental Agreement signed during Ukrainian Premier Volodimir Groisman’s visit to Chisinau, on 6 October 2017.”
2. Approval of the Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration on 24 November 2017.
“The EU Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration of 24 November 2017 sends a clear message on its openness to cooperate with partner states who implement quality reforms. In this context, the reconfirmation of the sovereign right for countries to choose their own ambitions and objectives towards the EU becomes relevant, along with acknowledging the European partners’ aspirations and choice, under the Association Agreements signed with EU.”
3. Improvements in the Transnistrian settlement process
“The greatest achievement of 2017 still is the progress made on the Transnistrian issue, culminating with the Declaration approved by the Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which acknowledges said progress and the political will of both parties in regulating this conflict.”
4. Moldova has expanded its diplomatic affairs, and a looser visa regime has been reached with Japan.
“The Austrian Embassy inaugurated in February 2017, Dutch Embassy Office and NATO Liaison Office opened in December 2017. As of 1 January 2018, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to loosen short-term visa issuance procedures for citizens of the Republic of Moldova.”
5. The Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova has been approved and launched. A first edition of Open Day Moldova took place in Strasbourg.
“In terms of strengthening our relationship with the Council of Europe, the highlights of 2017 are the bilateral meetings with Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, during his official visit to Moldova (30-31 May 2017), when he participated in the official launch of the 2017-2020 Action Plan (Chisinau, 30 May 2017), as well as at Open Day Moldova in Strasbourg (4 December 2017).”
Top-5 from the Foreign Policy Association:
1. The re-invigoration of Moldova-Ukraine relations and launch of joint border points
“Deeper relationships between Moldova and its neighbors are a strategic priority towards our growth, as well as for the resolution of regional issues. The annexation of Crimea and emergence of violent conflict zone in Ukraine have revitalized Moldovan-Ukrainian affairs with respect to the Transnistria region and the border sections that are outside of official control by Chisinau. The launch of a common border crossing with Ukraine on the Kuciurgan-Pervomaisk point, on 17 July 2017, has created premises for tighter cooperation on the Transnistrian regulation matter, but also in matters of regional security.”
2. Three years of EU-Moldova Association Agreement implementation
“The EU-Moldova Association Agreement is not just a cooperation framework; it also shows Moldova’s development orientation. Signing the Association Agreement in 2014 has been a major event for Moldova, thus strengthening our European aspirations, and continued implementation, regardless of internal issues, is a proof of the irreversible nature of this process.”
3. Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels
“Moldova’s participation in the Summit is proof of the engagements shared by the EU and its Eastern Partners in continued bilateral and multilateral dialogue. A revision of this cooperation has allowed for the identification of crucial matters, and the proposal of an ambitious plan, i.e. Europe 2020, which covers citizens’ benefits, economic growth, strengthening of institutions, and good governance.”
4. Launch of NATO Liaison Office in Moldova
“As a neutral state, Moldova has many benefits from its Euro-Atlantic partners. NATO, through the Partnership for Peace, among other programs, has helped upgrade and professionalize the security sector. The NATO Liaison Office in Moldova will allow for better cooperation between institutions. In the context of the latest regional developments, it will lead to the deepening of an ever more necessary partnership.”
5. European Council deems the liberalized EU – Moldova visa regime efficient
“Moldova benefits from a liberalized visa regime with the EU since 2014, which has granted free circulation for Moldovan citizens with a biometric passport. Meanwhile, this also implies a series of requirements concerning internal affairs, security, and human rights. The European Council has ascertained the implementation of the EU-Moldova visa regime to be efficient – a proof of consistent institutional efficiency and adherence to the legal framework.”
Top-5 from the Institute for Public Policy (sarcastic approach!):
1. Admirable character and English-language fluency of Moldovan officials covered by the international press
2. Moldovan Socialists’ North Korean-funded visit to North Korea
3. European Council’s honorable reception for Vlad Plahotniuc
4. Igor Dodon in white pants on his pilgrimage to Mount Athos
5. Moldova’s adoption of good practices against corruption during elections
Other articles in the “Goods of 2017” series:
What good things did 2017 bring in Transnistrian settlement process. IPN Campaign
What good things did 2017 bring in education. IPN Campaign
What are the accomplishments of 2017 in tourism! IPN campaign
What good things did 2017 bring in environmental sector. IPN Campaign
What good things did 2017 bring in cinematography. IPN Campaign
The Goods of 2017 in Rights for People with Disabilities. An IPN Campaign
The Goods of 2017 in Organ and Tissue Transplants. An IPN Campaign
The Goods of 2017 in Literature. An IPN Campaign
The Goods of 2017 in Volunteering. An IPN Campaign
The Goods of 2017 in Support for Children without Parental Care. An IPN Campaign