"Imagine a future where Moldova's local infrastructure is fully modernized: paved roads connecting all villages, efficient public services in towns and cities, and an infrastructure at European standards, as we find in EU member states... These transformations could not only improve Moldovans' everyday lives, but also support the country's integration into the European Union, contributing to a more prosperous society for each and every individual..."
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The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union is not just a symbolic step towards integration into a wider economic and political family, but an opportunity to profoundly transform the daily lives of Moldovans. This article will focus on the direct benefits of EU membership for citizens and local communities, exploring how changes in three key areas - local infrastructure, local public administration and public services - could most directly reshape the reality of everyday life in Moldova.

One of the most obvious and tangible changes that Moldova's accession to the European Union would bring would be the radical transformation of local infrastructure. At present, many areas of Moldova face deteriorated roads and insufficient infrastructure. The EU's structural and cohesion funds are specifically designed to support this kind of essential investment. Imagine a future in which Moldova's local infrastructure is fully modernized: paved roads connecting all villages, efficient public services in towns and cities, and infrastructure to European standards as found in EU Member States. EU membership would bring exactly these changes, stimulating investment and creating opportunities for local development. Stronger local public administration would mean more transparent and efficient governance, with more accountable local leaders more responsive to community needs. At the same time, improved public services would raise living standards for all citizens. These transformations could not only improve Moldovans' day-to-day lives, but also support the country's integration into the European Union, contributing to a more prosperous society for everyone.

Local infrastructure development

Access to EU structural and cohesion funds would allow Moldova to invest in local infrastructure and regional development projects. These funds are essential for modernizing infrastructure and stimulating economic and social development. In concrete terms, these changes would significantly reduce the isolation of rural communities. Farmers would have easier access to the EU market and local products could reach consumers faster.

Since Romania's accession to the European Union in 2007, it has benefited from over €96 billion of EU funds. Over the same period, Romania has contributed around €30 billion to the EU budget. Romania's net financial balance is thus €65 billion, reflecting the net benefits of EU membership.

In Poland, cohesion funds have been used to modernize transport networks, improving connectivity between towns and villages and contributing to economic development. The European Union is investing a record €7 billion this year in sustainable, safe and smart transport infrastructure. Through the EU's Connecting Europe Programme, 134 modernization projects have been selected.

Moldova could follow a similar model, benefiting from funds to rehabilitate roads and expand basic infrastructure. This is crucial for the country's economic and social development, as the current infrastructure is considerably underdeveloped by European standards.

The more agriculturally developed European countries, such as France, Poland and Romania, have used Common Agricultural Policy funds to modernize agriculture and develop rural infrastructure, considerably improving living conditions in rural areas. These countries have negotiated this common policy intensively in order to become highly competitive at international level, thanks to the support of the European Union.

Moldova, once it has joined the European Union, would also benefit from considerable European funding for the sector, stimulating economic development in rural areas and providing Moldovan farmers with generous subsidies to promote the growth and modernization of this essential sector of the national economy.

Strengthening Local Public Administration

Moldova's accession to the European Union would bring essential changes in the way local authorities operate. The process of European integration automatically requires the adoption of high standards of governance, transparency and administrative efficiency, and this would be a necessary step for the modernization of local public administration in Moldova.

Countries that have joined the EU have implemented significant administrative reforms to comply with European standards. These reforms include digitization of public services, decentralization of administration and strict transparency and anti-corruption measures. For example, Estonia has become a model in Europe for e-government, cutting red tape and increasing the efficiency of public administration, including at local level.

For Moldova, strengthening local public administration would mean improving the capacity of local authorities to manage public resources, implement effective local policies and better respond to citizens' needs. EU membership would facilitate the training and education of civil servants, aligning their skills with European standards and improving efficiency and transparency in local administration.

Efficient local public administrations are crucial for the effective implementation of EU priorities and the achievement of national goals. Member States such as Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are often recognized as leaders in public services, according to the Global Economy index. For the Republic of Moldova, EU membership would represent a key opportunity to undertake fundamental administrative reforms. Alignment with European structures could spur Moldova to implement measures to improve public governance, including by developing strict rules for organizing public consultations in the legislative process. It could also promote the active involvement of citizens in the decision-making process, thus ensuring greater transparency and accessibility of regulatory policies.

In Romania, European funds have been essential for the modernization of local government. Projects have included the digitization of public services and the dismantling of platforms such as Ghiseul.ro, which allow citizens to access services online and pay taxes without having to go to the counter.

Moldova could benefit from similar programs, including technical assistance and expertise to improve local public administration. For example, through training and technical support initiatives, several Moldovan cities could improve services to citizens and streamline administrative or bureaucratic processes.

Improving Public Services

The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union could bring significant changes in public services, especially in the health sector, where needs are extremely urgent. The high standards imposed by the EU for these services could considerably improve the quality of life by ensuring easy access to modern and well-equipped hospitals. In addition, EU integration could guarantee free essential services for Moldovan citizens, thus reducing the need to travel abroad for expensive treatment.

Central and Eastern European countries in particular have used EU funds to modernize their medical infrastructure. In Bulgaria and Romania, for example, EU funds have been directed towards building more regional hospitals and renovating existing ones to improve access to healthcare in rural areas. Romania is investing in three new regional hospitals to provide modern, centralized medical services to improve health care. These investments have had a direct impact on citizens' quality of life, demonstrating the effectiveness of EU funds in critical areas.

For Moldova, access to EU funds could mean renovating and equipping hospitals with modern technology, as well as training medical staff to ensure a higher standard of care.

Moldova's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including outdated infrastructure and staff shortages, not least because new doctors have left for much better-paid jobs in EU member states where conditions are better. For example, Lithuania, which joined the EU in 2004, has benefited from EU funding for hospital modernization and continuous training of medical staff, which has led to a considerable improvement in health services at the average European level. Moreover, it has looked for ways to bring qualified staff back home. Lithuania's further plans include modernization of emergency hospital departments and resuscitation units in seven Lithuanian hospitals, including regional ones.

Countries like Austria are an example in this area, where the Austrian health system emphasizes hospital care, which is why Austria has the highest number of acute discharges per 100 inhabitants in Europe.

Moldova could implement similar projects to modernize hospitals and reduce disparities in access to care between urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union could trigger a broad process of modernization and development with a direct and positive impact on local communities and citizens. The development of local infrastructure would help to increase connectivity and stimulate investment, the strengthening of local public administration would improve governance and the efficiency of public services, and the improvement of public services would enhance the quality of life for all citizens. These transformations would have a multiplier effect, contributing to Moldova's deeper integration into Europe and strengthening democracy and prosperity in all parts of the country and for every citizen.