Moldova’s accession to the European Union is both in the strategic interest of the country and in the interest of the Union, said Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, former President of the German Bundestag and current Chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. In an interview with IPN, Norbert Lammert stressed that the decision whether or not to support this integration process and, if so, in what way, will be taken in Chisinau, not in Brussels or Berlin.

Asked if the Republic of Moldova is seen as a country that has all the chances of accession or as a country that still needs preparation, Norbert Lammert said that the Republic of Moldova has the chances to join the European Union and, at the same time, must meet all the necessary conditions for accession.

The Copenhagen criteria clearly explain the conditions under which a country can become a member of the European Union. Once these were accepted on the merits, proof of compliance with existing European regulations and, where necessary, further development of national institution follow. “Above all, it goes to the functional system of separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, the consistent fight against corruption,” said the ex-President of the German Bundestag.

“We share the objective of the current government to follow the European path because we believe that this is both in the European interest and in the interest of this country, and we are making effort to contribute to the achievement of the steps that are to be taken in this regard. But I emphasize once again that the taking of this decision and also the timing and sequence of solving the problems that derive from the taking of this decision do not fall within our competence. It is the prerogative of the Government and Parliament of this country, and the results of the referendum of the end of October will certainly be an essential precondition for this,” stated Norbert Lammert.

Asked whether, with the entry of the Republic of Moldova into the EU, the state of affairs within the Union could somehow change and how the Moldovan-German bilateral relations would change after accession, Norbert Lammert said that friendly relations between states can exist even without them having the status of member of the European Union and the UK is an eloquent example in this regard. “What matters is whether we tackle common challenges together or whether each country does it alone, with its own resources, sometimes perhaps in competition with each other,” noted Norbert Lammert.