Moldova has initiated a nationwide discussion on securing membership in the European Union (EU), with high-ranking officials and academics urging their fellow citizens to seize every opportunity to join the bloc in order to avoid being left behind or descending into chaos. The country, once part of the Soviet Union and currently led by pro-European President Maia Sandu, is one of the poorest in Europe. In June, it received formal recognition from the EU as a candidate for the arduous process of accession to the 27-nation bloc. Moldova is facing numerous challenges, including the ongoing invasion of neighboring Ukraine by Russia and the presence of the pro-Russian separatist region of Transdniestria on its eastern border.
The discussion on EU membership was initiated by Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu, who emphasized the critical role of public participation in building a more prosperous future in the European community. Many academics have also expressed their support for Moldova’s European integration. Vlad Culminschi, the director of the Institute of Strategic Initiatives and a former deputy prime minister, warned that the country would become chaotic if it fails to pursue the European vector. He also highlighted the importance of collective efforts in striving for European integration.
Moldova’s opposition, which is sympathetic to Moscow and was ousted from power after Sandu’s landslide election victory in 2020, remains skeptical about EU membership. However, the Moldovan population, situated between Ukraine and EU member Romania, has shown enthusiasm for joining the bloc. In May, tens of thousands of people attended an open-air rally in support of Sandu’s drive for EU membership. This process will involve extensive negotiations to align legislation with EU standards and reform the justice system.
Sandu and other officials have suggested that Moldova should continue its EU membership bid while disregarding the separatist region of Transdniestria. This approach draws parallels with Cyprus, which was allowed to join the EU despite the Turkish occupation of its northern regions since the 1970s. Transdniestria declared independence from Moldova during the collapse of the Soviet Union, leading to a brief war with Moldova’s army in 1992. Although a contingent of 1,500 Russian peacekeepers remains in the region, there has been little violence over the past 30 years, and business and other connections thrive across the border.
In televised remarks, Sandu emphasized that the goal is not to abandon Transdniestria but to take steps towards EU membership, acknowledging that the situation cannot continue for another three decades without consolidated democracy and a high standard of living.
Edited by Ron Popeski and Leslie Adler
Credit: The Star : News Feed
