The future of the Republic of Moldova within a free and united Europe 04smbtIUN 2011 POSTED BY MENEKSHE IN MEMORII

UN COMENTARIU There is no news anymore that Moldova as a country and Moldovans as the people of this country are eager to see the European integration issue solved as soon as possible and the Moldovans dream to be real European citizens to become reality. This dream, to become a part of the big European family, the Moldovans started to dream some decades ago (now it is important not to have nightmares because of this in the future). The Moldovan political reality is becoming more of a fashion and the process of European integration is the headline in the national newspapers, the first television news blocks are broadcast on this topic, trainings and seminars are organized for civil society in this sense. And all this is done only to train Moldovan society so that it should talk properly about this dream, and to indicate what we should do to shorten this long and difficult path of European integration. Assuming the risk to touch on some sensitive points, I want to stress the fact that we like to live in a parallel world, or as Moldovans are saying, with the feet in two boats. We like to travel from the east neighbours yard to t he west neighbours yard. Obviously travelling is our hobby It is no wonder that until now most of the citizens of this country have seen their future in a free and united Europe , but another part sees the future in the distant past. Metaphorically speaking, Moldova is like a teenager, like a young woman who is trembling and emotional each time when the West and East are coquettish with her, feels butterflies in her stomach when it is adored and loved by its rulers. In fact, Moldova is just a creature who is learning now the first steps in life. Her sisters are older and stronger (we have to recognize it), have sufficient weight to fight a stronger enemy, have big hips, a critical view, and are walking slowly. Meanwhile, the Republic of Moldova wants to romp as much as she can, in order to taste the good and the bad, to understand the idea that you cannot play with politics as you cannot play with fire (otherwise you risk burning yourself). Sooner or later, Moldova will get married, but before this, she would like to get her full independence, to live free in a united Europe, both in terms of geopolitics, as well as economics or politics. Even if politicians are obtaining political dividends out of the European integration process, speculating upon this topic, even if the reality does not coincide with the aspirations declared, Moldovans are still constantly dreaming. EUROPEAN INTEGRATION this combination of words was and still is the most common phrase since the 90s. Nowadays any movement of the political elite to the west is welcomed by Moldovas entire population. Recent opinion polls indicate that citizens are in favour of Moldovas European integration and that they perceive European integration as a hope for themselves and their children. Some say that we are all trying to creep into the EU through some back door. Does it mean that we do not have enough power and will to come to the fornt of the big European family? Some say that Europeans are afraid of us, but I do not understand why. We are already There, we are already among them, even working for them. When the process of European integration is completed, it will mean a victory not only for the Republic of Moldova (its health system, social insurance, economic policy sector), but also EU society, in general. How do the Moldovans see Europe? Europe represents for them the chance to get large salaries, decent life, free travelling, holidays, less corruption, less stress and more happiness, so fewer diseases. Some are very skeptical of the EU-Moldova chapter and say that we will never have the opportunity and the chance to enjoy a European future, in a free and united Europe. Too many temptations are flying across Moldovan sky, too many uncertain things are arising here. Maybe when Moldova starts to think with its 3,8 millions of heads, maybe then we will get access to the big European family. But for its full maturity, the country must accomplish some minimal preconditions necessary for access inside the European family. Moldovas future? I think this would be the first question we should answer. Only after this we can ask for a future of the Republic of Moldova in a free and united Europe. Moldova, in my opinion, has a future as a state of integrity. It would be utopian to go on the idea that it has no future. Any state that is based on democratic principles,

based on strong human values and moral norms, such a state has a future. Although at the Moldovan diplomacy chapter we have worked just a bit, there is, however, a gleam of light at the end of the tunnel. For Moldova, the path to a free and united Europe will be difficult, simply because we have some more unresolved problems related to the countrys social and political life. It might be slower this way, but why shouldnt we ask for a decent future of the RM, to get rid for good of all the red past, where we always enjoyed mutilating our physique, but also the soul. While Moldovans want to believe in the idea of Moldovas future being only with the European Union, these beliefs are prompted by some pompous and cheesy speeches of the Moldovan politicians. People want facts, not words, they want materialized results and relevant impacts, and people are tired of populism, demagogy and lies. Opening that RM feels from EU is admirable. We are given the necessary assistance in several areas, such as economics and finance, security and defense, justice and home affairs. We are promised to facilitate visa regime with EU countries, but all these will appear only when the RM will undertake all the reforms already begun, and when its reports will not have only form, but also content. And lastly, the RM must work on its image. It is important how you look, but more important is how you impose yourself as a state and how other countries perceive you. When the Republic of Moldova will be wise and intelligent enough (to make the proper choices), then maybe people will realize what is better for it: to remove the dust from past shelves or to cement a new Path to a Free and United Europe.

A very interesting and positive point of view on the matter. Im very regularly in Moldova because of my family who lives in Chisinau, and therefore have some experience in daily live in Moldova, the economy and politics. I truly hope your vision of hope for Moldova and the integration into the EU will become true however personally Im not so optimistic. The biggest issue Moldova faces is corruption on every level, the latest research puts Moldova next to African countries like Burkina Faso and looking at the political arena and upper level of corporate and financial structures this will not change in the near future. Another problem is the financial sector in Moldova. The latest investigiations done by the IMF shows a total lack of transparancy and regulation when it comes monetary and financial policies and supervision of financial institutes. The list of remarks made by the IMF is just staggering. On a geopolitical level Moldova still faces a territorial dispute over Transnistria. The fact Romania is underlined the necessity of launching a new European project-creating a Black Sea Euroregion which of course includes Moldova and the fact Moldova is lately even looking at the possibilities to reunite with Romania can both reigniting the conflict over Transnistria. The main triggers for this coflict are economical (lack of natural resources and energy supply), ethnic, security (borders and customs) and environmental (fertile soils). The EU main policy concerning this matter is to keep peace a stability throught the European region and its neighboring states and therefore will not engage in projects which are likely to result in conflicts. Apart from the interests and political agenda Russia has over this area which has also a big influence on the European policies concerning this matter. The economy of Moldova is mainly based on agriculture with its fertile soils (chernozem). However studies show due to improper agricultural practices and unsustainable soil management including inappropriate cultivation methods, the destruction of original natural vegetation, and so on almost 95% percent of the lands threatened with erosion. The annual loss of fertile soil particles and humus amounts to about 20-25 million tons and 600,000 tons, respectively. Hence the reason why Transnistria is quite important for Moldova because 90% of Transnistria is fertile soil. Without a refrom in agricultural practice and other economical pilars the anual growth of the economy will slowly decrease and even decline. Daily life in Moldova is less romantic and positive as may appear from your article. The wealth is divided among a small group of people while the majority lives beneath poverty standards. Social security for the most people in Moldova is not even worth mentioning, for example the average pension for senior citizens is not even enough to put decent food on the table let alone to pay for the rent, heating and so on. The health care system is corrupt and lacks any

form of quality control and I know what Im talking about, for example getting a certificate of good health is just a matter of paying the right person enough money without conducting even one test. Only people with enough money can provide themselves with decent health care. The rate of which prices increase for food, housing and utilities over the last couple of years is enormous (this year food increased with almost 20%) compared to the increase of the average income. I can go on and on with a list of examples about these discrepancies but I think I made my point. The great majority of people with whom I spoke are not as positive about the future of Moldova or becoming a member of the EU as you mentioned in your article. Also the fact the communist party has the majority of votes at the moment makes me conclude that most people have a really bad hangover from in my opinion democracy and capitalism gone bad. Based on the before mentioned and my own experience in Moldova I can only conclude that the basis for a stable economy, health care system and social insurance as you stated simply dont exist. Moldova has still a long long way to go to become a mature state, just like learning to walk this will not happen without falling down a couple of times and getting hurt. However I truly hope that some day the beautiful country of Moldova and its rich tradition and culture will become a full member of the European Union. Erik