The knowledge and European experience of Romania are unique and should be transferred to the Republic of Moldova as soon as possible, including by multiplying the interactions and non-political communication channels. It’s time for the Romanian language to play an increased role in the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, politologist Dionis Cenusa says in an article written for IPN.
He noted that Romania is a country with enormous, but also exclusive potential that, mobilized in a correct manner, could have a huge impact on the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. The Romanian language is one of the 24 official languages of the EU. This enables easy access to the European legislation for the Moldovan citizens and decision makers. The Romanian side takes part in decision-making within the Council of the European Union, is present in the European Commission (the Regional Policy portfolio), decides the main development directions of the EU in the European Council alongside other countries and is represented in the European Parliament.
Also, Romania played a key role in the launch of the European Action Group for Moldova within the EU (in January 2010. Owing to Romania’s openness, a Moldovan-Romanian intergovernmental commission for European integration was instituted with the aim of intensifying communication between institutions working in different areas.
“The €100 million in non-reimbursable assistance for 2015-2020 intended for transport, modernization of border crossing points and energy interconnection is another way of producing positive effects that can connect Moldova to the EU. The loan of €150 million that is to be provided by Romania to the government of Moldova during the next five years, as it was agreed in October 2015, confirms once again that Moldova’s neighbor has important resources that can be used within the reformation agenda that includes Moldova’s European integration as well,” stated Dionis Cenusa.
According to him, even if Romania is involved in the promotion of Moldova’s European course both at bilateral level and at European level, the general perception is that something is missing in this amalgam of efforts. Consequently, it is hard to measure Romania’s real influence on the European integration of Moldova.
