The European Union cannot oblige a government, a country to take a particular decision concerning its path. The continuity of the European integration process depends on the will of society and the government in the Republic of Moldova. “If the next government does not want the European integration, we will be very sad, but that’s the way it is. We cannot oblige. It is the decision of the country and the citizens,” the Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau, Janis Mazeiks, stated in a discussion with journalists, IPN reports.
He went on by saying that every time he is asked about a referendum on accession to the EU, he always supports such an approach, but notes that all the technical aspects need to be solved before holding a referendum. “For Moldova, it is important to advance on this road to the EU. We requested the government of Moldova to prepare the material for the next progress report until the end of April and we will then edit this report. In October, the progress report will be published and for the first time you will be able to see the EU’s assessment of different aspects,” stated Janis Mazeiks.
The EU ambassador warned that the government in Chisinau sometimes hurries up over particular issues. “For example, a number of the amendments were made to the Penal Code and we consider they could have been prepared better and there were opinions in the international community, which could have been taken into account. The decision to suspend the six TV channels is another example. That decision was taken during a very short period of time. It consists of only six rows. We asked for more details from the government and we were told that the decision was based on previous decisions by the ACC,” noted Janis Mazeiks.
As to the Transnistrian settlement process, the diplomat said this process must be based on a political dialogue and a political solution. “We cannot advance now on this aspect. The government of Moldova said that this aspect can be discussed after the war in Ukraine is over and we agree with this. Maybe particular steps can be taken now too. For us, “Transnistria” is an integral part of Moldova,” he stated.
Asked about rumors that Moldova can become part of the EU faster if it abandons the Transnistrian region, Janis Mazeiks said that when there are territorial integrity issues, the discussions always become more difficult, but in Brussels there are no voices saying that the Republic of Moldova should renounce a part of its territory. ”Our message was clear: that we expect a solution to the Transnistrian dispute, based on the respect for sovereignty and integrity,” stated the EU ambassador.
