Positive signal for Moldova: Experts welcome Kaja Kallas’ messages
The Republic of Moldova may join the European Union before resolving the Transnistrian conflict. According to Alexandru Codreanu, the head of the Directorate for Cooperation with the European Union at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador of Moldova to the Czech Republic, European integration and the country's reintegration are two parallel processes.
The official stated, in a special edition of Radio Moldova, that the messages in this regard, transmitted on Friday, May 8, in Chisinau by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, show the constant support of the countries in the community bloc for the European path of the Republic of Moldova and represent a positive signal for the opening of accession negotiations.
"Transnistrian region will not become an obstacle to the accession of the Republic of Moldova - we know and promote this message - and it is a good message from the EU official, because the accession could occur earlier than the integration of the Transnistrian region. I want to say that accession to the EU is a favorable factor and would have an impact on the reintegration process, because accession to the EU can bring benefits in the negotiation process for the reintegration of the Transnistrian region", Alexandru Codreanu emphasized.
The Republic of Moldova is already part of the European space, and integration depends on continuing reforms and maintaining the current pace of internal transformations, says PhD in History Ștefan Bejan, an expert with WatchDog.MD community. Bejan also pointed out the EU's ongoing support, including through the Growth Program, with a budget of 1.9 billion euros, and highlighted the importance of directing funds to production processes.
"Productivity in the Republic of Moldova is a quarter, even less, than the European average. So, we also have such internal problems and we need to work here too. We also have the largest black accounting in Europe and many other aspects", the expert noted.
The main obstacle to resolving the Transnistrian dispute are the Russian troops, stationed on the left bank of the Nistru. President Maia Sandu stated that discussions are underway with European partners on possible solutions in this regard.
In Chisinau, the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that the current "window of opportunity" offered by the changes of government in several European countries must be used to move forward as quickly as possible towards the official opening of negotiations with the Republic of Moldova, even if a concrete deadline cannot be given for the time being.
Kallas also said that, in the context of possible negotiations with President Vladimir Putin to lift sanctions, the European Union will ask Russia to withdraw its troops from the Transnistrian region, confirming, at the same time, that Transnistrian region will not constitute an obstacle to the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU.
