European Union Is Disappointed in Moldova and in No Hurry to Help

Anton SHVEC Expert: The “Gordian knot” of Moldovan politics cannot be severed without external interference. In these conditions, the European Union positive influence is almost the only way out, but the EU is in no hurry to spend resources to support Moldova The current state of Moldova’s domestic policy can be described as suspense. Having lost the parliamentary majority, the Ion Chicu government, which relies on the socialists and democrats agreements, no longer meets the legitimacy and functionality criteria. Practically any step made by the government, including completely realistic and socially beneficial initiatives, is sharply criticized by the opposition forces. At the same time, the opposition is split and at loggerheads over key issues. So, the only common ground between Maia Sandu-led PAS and the Andrian Candu group is the declared desire for Euro-Atlantic integration. This is clearly not enough to jointly solve problems. Especially considering that a one-person position on this flank would be a good springboard to the presidency for the PAS leader. Sandu, apparently, is not ready to lose her reputation and electoral position due to ties with the odious representatives of the Vlad Plahotniuc regime involved in the “theft of the century”, even if the price of the issue is to get rid of Igor Dodon, who single-handedly destroyed the “coalition of hope”. In addition, it will not be possible to promptly and completely remove the de facto socialist leader from the political arena: PSRM is likely to confidently enter the parliament in any format of the election process. However willing Prime Minister Chicu is to leave his post, the current government is still difficult to replace. Even the “political tourism” does not give any side a decisive advantage and a chance to form a stable parliamentary coalition, sufficient to form a new cabinet. At the same time, all the above does not exclude the possibility of forming a coalition in the coming months - for example, under the influence of the republic’s international partners who facilitated the “coalition of hope” last June. However, the fragmented state of the Moldovan parliament and the bitter experience of the PSRM and ACUM alliance rule negate the possibility of a second international consensus, which seemed out-of-the-way even at that time. Moldovan politicians missed a historic chance and plunged the country into another crisis. In this sense, many understand why the European Union is disappointed in Moldova, which is no longer referred to as either a leader or showcase of the Eastern Partnership. A series of political crises led to the fact that many years of investment and efforts of the European diplomacy turned into Vlad Plahotniuc’s oligarchic rule. As a result, after the long-awaited liberation of the “captured state”, Russian influence has significantly increased in Moldovan politics. Today, the European Union is ready to refuse to finance Moldova. The next tranche of 100 million euros may not be transferred for absolutely formal reasons. For the Moldovan budget, this situation is fraught with another crisis, especially given the problems with attracting a Russian loan, the agreement on which is recognized as unconstitutional. Moldova, facing the devastating COVID-19 pandemic consequences, needs money flowing now, but the allocation of external funds has been paused. Brussels is overwhelmed with domestic problems. A complex and conflicting process is underway to agree on measures to support the economies of member countries affected by the pandemic. It is so far impossible to choose from the proposed variety of models - from generous to economically conservative - the one that would suit the majority. Moreover, the question is not only about the amount and distribution of financing, but also about the structure of expenses. Nation-states have faced legal demarches of the population and the medical community, triggered by the actions of governments in the fight against coronavirus. A particularly dire situation is evolving in Sweden, France and Italy. The prospects for ending the dialogue between Brussels and London on a new trade agreement still remain unclear. Failed negotiations will finally undermine the economies of large EU countries, the decline in GDP of which may already exceed a whopping 10%. In these conditions, the European Union does not want to waste resources on supporting the “failed state of Moldova”. And this can be understood. However, the people of Moldova are not to blame for being held hostage by irresponsible political leaders. In addition, some of them were raised and nurtured with the direct participation of responsible EU officials. The European Union needs to resume its active participation in the political life of Moldova: to support unflawed political forces, formulate clear goals for voters and give a clear social development perspective. While Moldovan politicians are waiting, daily risking people’s lives and the future of Moldova, Brussels should intervene in order to prevent further destabilization of its eastern borders. If this is not done today, then before the presidential election (regardless of whether it is held simultaneously with the parliamentary or not), Moldova will have to face serious problems that can reverse the last 30 years of the country’s independent functioning, including the 2009 “Twitter revolution” achievements.