In Chisinau, the leader of Moldova’s separatist Transdniestria enclave has criticized the implementation of import and export duties for his pro-Russian region, accusing central authorities of violating fundamental rights and harming business.
Transdniestria, a region that seceded from Moldova before the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, had a brief war with Moldova over independence, but the two sides have coexisted relatively peacefully for over 30 years with the presence of 2,000 Russian “peacekeepers” along their joint “border”.
In light of Moldova’s discussions to join the EU with its pro-European authorities, the issue of Transdniestria’s status has gained new significance.
Transdniestria’s leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, has expressed his discontent with Moldova’s sudden policy changes, calling it a “moral defeat” that goes against the EU’s proclaimed humanitarian values. He appealed for negotiations, claiming that imposing import and export duties on his region will lead to hardship for the people living there.
The implementation of duties payable to Moldova’s central authorities would put strain on businesses in the enclave and could exacerbate tensions between the two sides.
Transdniestria has previously faced allegations of mass smuggling under the guise of its duty-free status, including weapons, while also receiving substantial support from Russia, including free natural gas supplies.
Despite talks to resolve the separatist conflict stagnating in recent years, day-to-day life in the country between Ukraine and EU member Romania has remained relatively unaffected.
Moldovan authorities did not respond to Krasnoselsky’s complaints, but they have stressed the importance of establishing consistent rules across the entire territory as a legal step towards reintegrating the separatist region.
President Maia Sandu, a pro-European figure, has identified Russia as the primary security threat to the country and floated the idea of Moldova joining the EU in two stages, initially without Transdniestria before achieving reunification, citing the precedent of Cyprus’s EU membership despite its division.
Reported by Ronald Popeski; Edited by David Gregorio
