The Free Trade Area with the EU means complete restructuring of Moldova’s economy and is a possibility of ensuring its independence. It does not mean separation from the Russian market. Moldova needs a strong economy to cope with crises, such as Russia’s ban on the import of Moldova wine, Weronika Priesmeyer-Tkocz, program director at the European Academy Berlin, said in the debates “Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area: importance, commitments and development prospects for the Republic of Moldova”, which are financed by the Hanns Seidel Foundation and organized by the Institute for Development and Social Initiative “Viitorul”, IPN reports.
The German expert said the bans imposed by Russia influence Moldova, which, for this reason, acts more uncertainly in the relations with the EU. Russia can continue to impose bans, but the EU will offer the possibility of establishing closer economic cooperation.
Weronika Priesmeyer-Tkocz considers that in the conditions of the Free Trade Area, the Moldovan products will become more competitive owing to the access to new technology. A free trade agreement is also a signal for the investors that businesses can be started in the country. By direct investment, the Moldovans will be able to develop their own businesses. The Free Trade Area ensures stability and transparency and reduced corruption. “More jobs will be created and fewer Moldovans will migrate to Russia, where they are not always treated properly. Also, not many people will emigrate to the EU,” she stated.
The program director at the European Academy Berlin also said that the EU cannot allow imposing groundless bans and, if the Moldovan products penetrate the European market, things will be safer and the country will not be blackmailed with different embargoes.
Weronika Priesmeyer-Tkocz gave as example the Moldovan wine, saying that its quality is perfect and its export to the EU is justified. But, the products’ brand and Moldova’s image abroad must be promoted. The people in the EU have an incorrect perception that the wines from Eastern Europe are of a poor quality and Moldova now has the occasion of dispelling these stereotypes by proving that the Moldovan wines are not worse than the EU wines.
