AS A MINIMUM, EU WANTS STABILITY FROM MOLDOVA – IGOR BOTAN

VILNIUS SUMMIT:  WHAT CAN MOLDOVA GIVE TO EU?   

Less than one month has left until the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in the capital of Lithuania on November 26, at which Moldova will initial its Association Agreement with the European Union. The document will make irreversible the republic’s Euro-integration path and should add confidence to those who are still skeptical about Moldova’s possible EU membership. Most citizens understand what Moldova wants from the European Union. Desire for the EU membership is so great that practically nobody is talking here of what Moldova is able to give to EU. Until the initialing of the Association Agreement in Vilnius, Infotag will be publishing stories about what Moldova can really offer to the European Union.         

AS A MINIMUM, EU WANTS STABILITY FROM MOLDOVA – IGOR BOTAN    

The Republic of Moldova can give to the European Union exactly what is written in the European Neighborhood Policy: the EU wants from such countries as Moldova as a minimum – stability, so that citizens would not leave their homes and would not rush to Europe in search of decent jobs and pays, presumes Moldovan political scientist Dr. Igor Botan, Chairman of the Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT).      

In his interview with Infotag, the political scientist said that the success of achieving of this objective depends on the Moldovan authorities, particularly if they can guarantee to the European Union that in exchange for its assistance, Moldova citizens will be working at home, making their contribution to national economy development and bringing up their children.   

“What is happening in Moldova presently is but a tragedy. Young, energetic and talented people find ways to leave their native country and go to America, Europe or Russia. Though our government says its works out a youth policy, we see that those people who open their businesses in Moldova come to realize very soon that they cannot find skilled workers for their businesses. We have found ourselves in a vicious circle, which we must necessarily break”, believes the ADEPT Chairman.   

As for Moldovan exports to the European Union, the expert believes that Moldova should initially take necessary measures to make its products meet European quality standards. Indeed this will take much time, but Moldova has no other choice if it wants to get integrated into the European area, said Igor Botan.       

In his opinion, for integration with the European Union it is essential that citizens come to trust in their government.   

“People are able to overcome all hardships if they feel that their authorities are honest, competitive and enjoy popular trust. If no, chances for progress are scarce. Unfortunately, all latest opinion researches are showing that at the present moment the citizens’ trust in the authorities is extremely low”, said Igor Botan.