The Republic of Moldova could become a member of the European Union in 6-7 years if it does its homework, which is it will implement the reforms asked by the European Union, PAS MP Adrian Băluțel stated in IPN’s public debate “Why was the Republic of Moldova granted a candidate status? When and in what conditions can it become a fully-fledged member of the EU?”.
“The European integration process is first of all an internal policy process and a process to transform the country. We now have all the chances and enjoy the European Union’s openness and support will come in the form of pre-accession funds for supporting this accession process. We must do our homework and this should actually be the top priority – the European transformation of the country,” stated the MP.
Adrian Băluțel said Russia’s reaction to the granting of the EU candidate status to Moldova is alarming, especially because it is surrounded by false information. “There was that statement that connected somehow the European integration process with the union. We see that the statements are aimed at disseminating uncertainty and fear among some of the citizens. It is an agenda aimed at undermining the citizens’ trust in the European integration process. Such a thing was expected and it is worrisome. I believe we need to ensure communication about this phenomenon first of all with the citizens of the Republic of Moldova so that we do not allow the false information spread by foreign players to gain ground in the Republic of Moldova. We saw how in 2013-2014, when the Association Agreement was signed, false reports about the European Union gained ground and we should prevent something like this now,” stated the MP.
Adrian Băluțel also said that the EU member states’ reaction came in the form of recommendations for the Republic of Moldova, which should be transposed to a very clear action plan. “We should prepare well a response to these recommendations so that they are implemented as swiftly as possible. It goes to the justice sector reform, the enhancement of economic competitiveness. The Government already works on these aspects. After this document is discussed with the European partners, we will start the implementation process and the European Union in the short and medium term will come with an assessment of these chapters. Later, we will be able to start discussions on the opening of the negotiation chapters.”
According to the MP, the messages coming from the European and Western partners are generally constructive. “They say that a lot of work is to be done, but ask what they can help us with. This makes us confident that regardless of the difficulties and crises expected in the Republic of Moldova due to the war in Ukraine, we will benefit from support so that we help the citizens overcome the hardships. But this will no way stop the reform process to which we are committed.”
The public debate entitled “Why was the Republic of Moldova granted a candidate status? When and in what conditions can it become a fully-fledged member of the EU?” was the 254th installment of IPN’s project “Developing Political Culture through Public Debates” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
