INTERVIEW // Cristina Gherasimov: We expect 2025 to be challenging. We must be united to anchor the Republic of Moldova in the space of peace
The Republic of Moldova advanced during 2024 on the path to accession to the European Union, despite the major challenges caused by the war launched by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the hybrid pressures against our country. The challenges could continue in 2025, and they derive from the fact that the Russian Federation does not respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, Cristina Gherasimov said in an interview for Moldova1 TV. The Republic of Moldova is working to know how to react in such a way as to diminish the dangers that threaten the European path, and 2030 is a real deadline for completing preparations for accession to the EU.
“These challenges were not specific only to 2024 and, unfortunately, will not stop at the end of this year. We expect 2025 to be a challenging year. We see a lot of disinformation in the public space, we see a hybrid war that, unfortunately, is supported by many actors. We need to know how to react to challenges in a way that reduces risks.”
In parallel with the technical processes related to the European path, Chisinau is working to meet the conditions to start discussions on the disbursement of money from the 1.8 billion euro Economic Growth Plan. This could take several months. Currently, our country is in the process of finalizing the reform agenda and is identifying priority sectors for investment.
“We expect that for the Republic of Moldova, this process will be completed in the next few months, and when this Growth Plan is adopted, we can already discuss the disbursements that will begin. The sooner these funds arrive, the sooner we will be able to invest them in our needs, which we hope will be felt in economic advantages and benefits not only long-term but also immediate.”
What else can you learn from the interview with the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov:
The Republic of Moldova is presented as a model state for other candidate states for accession. The challenges faced by the Republic of Moldova in the European integration process in 2024. Russia - an indirect obstacle to the integration process. The greatest support, both politically and at the level of expertise, comes from Romania. Poland takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from January 1. Could the opening of negotiation chapters advance more quickly? The economic growth plan for our country of 1.8 billion euros and when could discussions begin on the first disbursements? People do not see the benefits of joining the EU. How do we make them understand that transformations do not come overnight? Moldova's international partners are analyzing the possibility of helping Moldova in the context of the energy crisis.
The interview was recorded on December 24, 2024.
