Moldova could become ‘an impossible mission’ for the EU. Commentary by Victor Chirila for Info-Prim Neo

On July 29, after the Communists Party (PCRM) has ruled the country for eight years, most of the Moldovans decided to get rid of the nostalgic chimeras of the past and chose the European future with all its inherent uncertainties. Moreover, they opted for a rejuvenated, professionally prepared and politically experienced political class. For the new generation of politicians, “Moldova – a democratic, prosperous and European country” is a creed confirmed by deeds, not only words and empty slogans. However, after the July 29 elections, the young generation of politicians, who represent different parties, will have to show that they are able to ensure a democratic, proficient, united, stable, coherent and transparent government. If they manage to form such a government coalition, they will pass the first serious test of political maturity. The success of the future government will mainly depend on the political will and good faith of the parties that will form the coalition, but also on the support of the foreign partners. From this viewpoint, the development of stable and predictable cooperation relations with Russia is a necessity, while the strengthening of the partnership with the European Union is obligatory. In fact, by voting on July 29, the Moldovan citizens staked their future on Moldova’s European integration. Therefore, the success or failure of this stake will undoubtedly be crucial for the fate of the new generation of politicians, for our country and for the credibility of the EU as regional political player as the failure will indisputably be blamed on the Moldovan political class and on the EU. Actually, the July 29 vote created a mutual dependence between the success of the new generation of politicians and the success in Moldova of the EU’s Eastern policy set out in the Eastern Partnership. If a pro-European government coalition is formed in Chisinau, Moldova will have good chances of becoming a success example in the Eastern Partnership. But, for this to happen, not only Chisinau, but Brussels as well should show flexibility, political will and non-conformist/innovatory thinking on such subjects as the European prospects, the liberalization of the visa regime and the liberalization of trade, etc. Meanwhile, it is extremely important that the parties that will form the future government coalition are not treated as chaotic, incoherent, radical and self-centered parties that would not be able to form a stable coalition owing to these characteristics. On the contrary, if they are treated as a possible alternative to the government, their credibility in front of the opponents and the ordinary people will grow. If the EU wants the Eastern Partnership to be successful, Brussels will have to gradually annihilate certain structural handicaps of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP). First of all, the EU must become not only visible in Moldova, but especially perceptible and equally respected by the Moldovan people and politicians. Owing to the ENP, during the last four years the EU has been an omnipresent player in the internal life of our country. When we speak about the modernization of the economy – diversification of trade, adjustment of the legislation to the European standards, ensuring of energy security, settlement of the Transnistrian dispute, etc. – the EU is perceived as a major partner. However, even if the EU is in the immediate vicinity and its economic and financial presence is increasing, the political performance was constantly disregarded by the Moldovan governors. For example, EU representatives of different ranks during the last two years had repeatedly warned the official Chisinau that the implementation of the Plan of Action with the EU leaves much to be desired in such areas as the freedom of the media, the independence of justice, the observance of the human rights, the combating of corruption. Every time yet, the Moldovan politicians ignored or hushed up the recommendations and observations coming from the EU capitals. One of the major causes why the EU does not manage to exercise political influence and use its real status is the fact that it does not impose conditions as regards the relation between the progress made in implementing the reforms stipulated in the Plan of Action and the benefits obtained. In order to remove this shortcoming, the next legal framework that the EU will negotiate with Moldova must make the system of conditions provided in the ENP and its eastern dimension – the Eastern Partnership - more efficient. This is not a trifle. It must be done no matter what party or parties will rule Moldova during the next years. This way, the EU will have real levers for stimulating reforms in Moldova. Nevertheless, it will be hard to impose conditions as regards the ratio or progress to benefits if the European Union does not set out expected prospects in such areas as liberalization of the visa regime or the establishment of an extensive free trade zone with the EU. If the EU offers clear prospects in the abovementioned areas only if the required measures and reforms are appropriately implemented, it will manage to encourage the implementation of reforms by the Moldovan authorities on the one hand and to motivate the Moldovan people to monitor the actions taken by the governors to meet the conditions imposed by it on the other hand. This way, Brussels will help the ordinary citizens to better perceive the benefits provided by the EU and to realize the importance of their own contribution towards obtaining them. We know that the EU member states are very unwilling to liberalize the visa regime with Eastern European countries, including Moldova. We also know the reasons for such a position. We don’t yet know if the EU is aware of the real stake negotiated in Moldova at present. We will see… [For Info-Prim Neo – Victor Chirila, acting executive director of the Foreign Policy Association]