"We have to realize that we have benefited enormously from the association with the EU member states, we have experienced what it is like to be European, when we have seen how to live in European cities, when we have studied at their universities, when we have enjoyed European privileges and values. If the Republic of Moldova would not join the European Union, citizens could lose a number of opportunities and benefits that could negatively affect the quality of life and development prospects of the country..."
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In recent years, the Republic of Moldova has taken important steps towards European integration. In addition to the political and economic changes, this process has had a profound impact on its citizens, who have had the opportunity to live, study and work in the member countries of the European Union. The benefits of this association are multiple and are felt at the individual level, but also at the level of society, contributing to a significant transformation in outlook on life and values. Although the Republic of Moldova has benefited from considerable advantages by signing the Association Agreement in 2014, membership of the European Union would bring an extensive set of benefits, including full access to funds, influence in European decisions and full integration into the single market, along with economic stability for our country, so that our state can get rid of the policy of surviving from one day to the next solely on European funds.

Contact with Europe

Pragmatically speaking, no better solution has yet been invented than belonging to a political and economic alliance, to an area of liberal values, which is the European Union. It is no longer a question of choosing to be on our own, but of choosing East or West. It is a natural decision to be with Romania, for example. We are also more European in our deeds, as evidenced by the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014, receiving candidate country status in 2022 and opening accession negotiations with the European Union in 2023.

For many of us, direct contact with EU Member States has been a revelation. We had the opportunity to see how life is lived in European cities, where infrastructure is well developed, public safety and respect for the citizen are the norm, not the exception. In these cities, you feel how the basic principles of a thriving society work, such as democracy, respect for human rights, and even transparency in governance.

For those who have had the chance to study at European universities, the benefits have been even more obvious. Access to high-quality education in institutions where innovation and research are a priority has opened up new horizons of knowledge and professional development. By joining the European Union, Moldovan citizens have the possibility to study in universities in EU countries through the Erasmus+ program and not only for a limited number of students per year, which allows them to gain academic and professional experience in an international environment. Access to studies with well-paid scholarships would motivate us even more to learn and be the best professionals in our respective fields. And the opportunity to work in different European countries and live in diverse cultural environments would enrich us even more.

Another European Union initiative we can take advantage of is DiscoverEU, an exceptional opportunity for young people to explore the diversity of Europe. This initiative gives participants the chance to discover the cultural and historical heritage of the European continent and to interact with the European way of life. and travel throughout Europe, with a focus on using the train as the main means of transportation.

The experience we had in the EU Member States not only prepared us better for the challenges we faced - the consequences of the war in Ukraine, the security crisis, the energy crisis and the economic crisis with inflation that was hard to contain, but also showed us where we want to go, and who our partners are - the European family.

One of the greatest achievements of association with the European Union is that we have begun to enjoy European privileges and values. Joining the European area has given us invaluable opportunities: the right to travel freely in the Member States with biometric passports through visa liberalization. Now, if we were part of the European Union and the border-free Schengen area would open up new opportunities and we would no longer have borders with EU Member States, we would no longer have to stand in those endless queues at customs.

In the European Union, countries such as Germany and France provide substantial child-raising allowances that are essential for supporting families and the healthy development of children. For example, in Germany, the „Kindergeld” system provides monthly allowances for each child, while in France, family allowances in France include support for education and health. The Romanian state also provides such allowances for children and many Moldovans with dual citizenship already receive this support.

In our case, access to these benefits could significantly transform the lives of families and children. Families could benefit from more substantial financial support to help cover essential expenses and children would have better access to quality education and health care. For example, child allowances could reduce financial burdens on low-income families while ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to quality education and adequate health services. And let's not forget that inclusion in the European Social Fund could also bring unemployment and disability benefits, providing additional support to people in need.

What do we want Moldova's future to look like?

But perhaps the most important benefit is the change of mentality. Our association with the European Union has taught us to value democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. We have begun to understand the importance of transparent governance, civic participation and social responsibility. In this context, civil society in the Republic of Moldova is becoming increasingly visible as an important partner in cooperation with public authorities, both at national and local level, just as it is natural and happens in all EU Member States. This phenomenon reflects two important dimensions: the professionalism and active involvement of civil society organizations, as well as the need to implement European standards which promote the active participation of the voluntary sector in the decision-making process.

As the Republic of Moldova continues the process of European integration, it is essential that we recognize and fully exploit these benefits. Our European future depends not only on political decisions, but also on how our citizens embrace these values and privileges. Each one of us, through our personal experiences, can contribute to strengthening a genuine European identity, reflecting both our national traditions and common European values. National minorities would also enjoy the most rights, as the motto of the European Union - "United in diversity" - says, where we know that Europeans invest in programs that promote the diverse culture, religion, traditions and official languages of the EU Member States.

Association with the European Union has shown us that we are part of a larger community where solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect are fundamental. The benefits we have experienced give us not only pride, but also the responsibility to preserve and promote these values in our country, so that Moldova can become a fully European state.

The direct experience of association with the Member States of the European Union has shown us what it really means to be European. It is an opportunity to live in an area of freedom, prosperity and respect for human dignity. It is also a call to action for all Moldovan citizens to contribute to building a solid and sustainable European future for generations to come.

In order to build a solid and sustainable future, the Republic of Moldova must capitalize on and extend the benefits integrated in our process of rapprochement with the European Union. It is a call to action for all Moldovan citizens to actively contribute to building a society that reflects European values, while also preserving the best features of our national culture and traditions. Through a shared commitment to European values, we can transform Moldova into a prosperous and respected European state.

Conclusion

We must realize that we have benefited enormously from our association with the EU Member States, we have experienced at first hand what it is like to be European, when we have seen how to live in European cities, when we have studied at their universities, when we have enjoyed European privileges and values. If the Republic of Moldova were not to join the European Union, its citizens could miss out on a number of opportunities and benefits which could have a negative impact on the quality of life and the country's development prospects.

Losing or not acceding to EU membership, now that we have this opportunity right in front of us, would have direct repercussions on the individual lives of Moldovan citizens, limiting their access to essential professional, educational and social opportunities. It could also affect mobility, rights, and quality of life in Moldova.

For ten years, Europeans have given us a vote of confidence to travel and work in their countries, to export our indigenous products. Now it is our turn to convince them that we deserve to be part of the European family. And this can only be done with an overwhelming vote for Moldova's accession to the European Union in a referendum.