The holding of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in the Republic of Moldova is a real proof of the support of the EU member states for Moldova’s European course. The event is exceptional and is a good occasion for the country to prove its adherence to the values of the civilized states and to forge political, economic and cultural ties with the European states, said experts invited to IPN’s public debate “European Political Community Summit – responsibilities and economic opportunities opened for the Republic of Moldova”.
Ion Iordachi, deputy director general of the Investment Agency, said the EPC Summit that Moldova is to host is an additional proof of the fact that the Republic of Moldova can bank on the support of the European countries, but the country should assume responsibility for being ready to meet the requirements imposed under a partnership.
”Romania is our main, trustworthy partner, but we should not forget about such countries as Poland or Greece, which helped us a lot when we experienced energy crises. I don’t think we will find a non-friend in the European community, from the Nordic countries up to the Baltic countries that form part of the EU, etc. We must prepare very well at home and have that legislation guillotine and have an additional argument for investors that we work on the Community acquis and things from here go smooth. This vote of confidence given by the European community should be put to good use and we must show that we can move on quickly,” stated Ion Iordachi.
Viorel Chivriga, economic policy expert of the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul”, said that each citizen should lend a hand to the country’s development.
“I think most of the Moldovans are proud of their country. The Moldovans should be assisted when they do things with devotion to their homeland and the good examples should be disseminated. We have a golden diaspora, valuable and courageous people who did a lot of good things for the country, but these things can be more in number. If we talk about allies, those from the diaspora are the most important allies. Besides this, we, those from home, must prove that we are capable of changing the trajectory followed by the country so that the Republic of Moldova becomes attractive not only to those who left, but is also an example for many other oscillating states. Maximum seriousness is needed. The country has many opportunities and they need to be taken as the country will suffer if they are missed. There will be probably no other chance for many people. The responsibility is enormous. The time passes, but the country must remain,” stated Chivriga.
Sergiu Manea, president of the Employers’ Association of the Tourism Industry of the Republic of Moldova, said the European Political Community Summit is an opportunity also for the tourism sector, which can generate incomes to the Moldovan economy as it has great potential.
“We have a lot of work to do. Without work, we will not achieve the results we all want – to become a full-fledged member of the EU by 2030. We are in the geographical center of Europe. We are situated very well as a tourist destination, but are an insufficiently visible as a country now. We passed the COVID pandemic, learned lessons and learned to plan different risks. Regrettably, this war that is not far from us affected our projections too. This enormous opportunity we will enjoy as a result of the EPC Summit should be taken. Particular things depend on us as an NGO sector, while other things depend on the state institutions. Those from ministries should do their job honestly and for the benefit of the business community. Respectively, in this case the businesses will also be more receptive and there will be more jobs and higher salaries,” stated Sergiu Manea.
The public debate entitled “European Political Community Summit – responsibilities and economic opportunities opened for the Republic of Moldova” was the fourth installment of IPN’s project “Support for European Integration by stimulating discussion in the mass media about the European Political Community (EPC) Summit” that is supported by Soros Foundation Moldova.
