If the constitutional referendum on joining the EU fails, Moldova will lose its credibility in front of its partners. On the other hand, the success of the referendum represents the chance to get out of the gray zone, the chance for Moldova to no longer be a buffer zone between the great powers, said Tatiana Cojocari, doctor of sociology and foreign policy expert.

In a public debate entitled “Accession to the EU: Road to Security and Prosperity for the Republic of Moldova”, Tatiana Cojocari said that EU integration means respected laws and economic security, aspects that will attract investments and, consequently, will lead to higher salaries and pensions.

EU membership does not mean loss of integrity and sovereignty. The sooner the European course is included in the Constitution, the more Moldova’s chances of becoming a member of the EU in the near future will increase. It is time for a historic vote. The people must clearly say that they want to be part of the European Union, noted the expert.

Tatiana Cojocari stressed that the purpose of the referendum should not be disregarded. Voters must understand that Moldova needs this democratic exercise, not the EU. The referendum will show what society wants, where it can be seen in 10 years.

The expert also said that there are forces, fueled from outside, that want this referendum to fail. These forces promote the idea that the referendum is just a whim of the government. The voters should not allow to be manipulated. They must differentiate between the opportunities offered by this democratic exercise and political rhetoric. The changes proposed to the country’s Constitution will remain, regardless of who will be in power.

The debate was organized by IPN News Agency within the project “A fair and informed vote for a European Moldova”, funded by the European Union and the German Marshall Fund.