Moldova belongs in the European Union, now more than ever, said Democrat Vlad Plahotniuc. In an article signed in the newspaper Politico, the politician says at a time when British voters have chosen to leave the European Union and politicians in other countries across the region are calling for similar referendums, his country – Moldova – wants to move in the opposite direction, IPN reports.

“As a small landlocked country that Russia considered a part of its ‘near abroad’ – with NATO ally Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east, we are ready and eager to join the EU and to enact sweeping reforms to ensure our nation’s long-term stability and prosperity. From cracking down on corruption, freeing up the economic system and strengthening the rule of law, these reforms are a necessity, not a luxury,” said the Democrat.

According to Vlad Plahotniuc, Europe is our natural home, culturally as well as geographically. “While we have long been committed to economic, political and legal reform, the prospect of EU membership is encouraging us to redouble our efforts,” he stated.

He also said that “to some, European integration is a high-flown ideal – not to us. Moldovans are working to build a Western-facing, free-market democracy and seeking a solution to the issue of the Russia-supported separatist region of Transnistria, internationally recognized as part of our country. As the poorest nation in Europe with 30 percent of our citizens working outside our borders, we must do more to ensure the strength and sovereignty of our nation.”

“Faced with these challenges, Moldova recognizes the need to join a European community that is free, prosperous and at peace. By building a free society engaged in free enterprise, we will set an example for other post-Communist countries. And, by achieving a settlement in Transnistria, we would create a model for resolving other ‘frozen conflicts’ that are all too common for Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Central Asia,” said Vlad Plahotniuc.

According to him, “much of our progress could be in peril on October 30, when Moldovans elect their next president. We have a choice to make: continue on the path of progress or side with pro-Russian hardliners who question the promises of a free market.”

Vlad Plahotniuc noted that Moldova’s Association Agreement with the EU increases connectivity and trade with Europe and provides practical incentives for Moldova’s economy to diversify and modernize.

“One of the toughest challenges we face is corruption. Alost $1 billion – about one-eighth of our gross domestic product – was embezzled from three of our major banks. Our government, led by the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM), which spearheads the ruling coalition, is committed to tackling this dangerous problem. We have criminalized the misuse of EU or other international funds, increased the penalties for corruption and required public officials to disclose the sources of their incomes and wealth,” he said.

The politician noted Moldova also encourages economic liberalization and creating a pro-business environment. “We are expanding bilateral trade with the EU, which now buys about 62 percent of our country’s exports, and promoting the rule of law – a prerequisite for economic growth – by strengthening the independence of the judiciary and law enforcement.

“Moldova wants to ally with the West. But our European allies must understand that Moldova can be pro-Western, without being anti-Russia. Moldova wants to work with all of its citizens and neighbors and to stabilize the region and resolve its most difficult challenges in a constructive, transparent and mutually satisfactory manner,” he stated.

The first step toward a peaceful resolution is achieving a sustainable solution to Transnistria. “Moldova and Russia must be able to thaw out the “frozen conflict” in this breakaway region, whose “independence” is not recognized by any member of the United Nations. Despite the tensions between us, Russia remains Moldova’s second largest trading partner after the EU.  Our countries should continue to discuss how to increase and improve our commercial relations,” he said.

At the end of the article, Politico presents Vladimir Plahotniuc as the executive coordinator of the Moldovan Government Coalition Council and deputy chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova.

The newspaper Politico is printed by Politico - an American political-journalism organization based in Arlington County, Virginia. It recently launched it EU edition.