EU Ambassador to Chisinau: Moldova Is Just Starting Its Path to the European Integration

The EU Ambassador in Chisinau was asked if, as a citizen of Latvia, he could offer certain recommendations to Moldova in order to avoid problems that may arise in connection with the European path adopted by our country. “I don’t think there is one single issue that could be avoided, because the changes you need are very complex. Therefore, the most important thing is to have consistency in the changes. In this sense, it was one of Latvia’s advantages. Over the past 30 years, governments have been changing, as should be in a democratic country, but focus has always been the same, we had a very conscious choice - to integrate into Europe. There was a feeling that we belong to Europe and that it is not only our right, but also our duty to be part of this family. When you have a clear goal and you do not lose it, then it is easier to achieve it,” Janis Mazeiks said for the Replicamedia portal. According to the diplomat, a small disadvantage of the Republic of Moldova is that this goal has not always been so clear, and thus it is much more difficult to implement reforms. “Now I am speaking as a citizen of Latvia, not as a EU representative. Latvia succeeded in these changes, and I think this can be an example for the Republic of Moldova, because in 1991 we were at the same starting point, we left the same totalitarian system, and there were certainly times when you could have done more. I think it is very important now to have a clear European approach. If you want the country to be as close to the EU as possible, then this also means commitment to and promotion of the European values. We are very pleased to see the approval of the Istanbul Convention, which contains all these European values, and it shows that you not only support but also accept them. Violence against women is unacceptable, it’s not a matter of opinion, it’s a matter of fact. It is necessary to ensure the sustainable implementation of reforms and not to miss the moment for this. These are complicated things. It is important to carry out justice reform, but it would be good to support it with other reforms that will follow later,” the ambassador replied. He was also asked about the prospects of Moldova’s European integration. “The Republic of Moldova is just starting the path to European integration, and there is still much to be done to bring the country closer to the EU. What will happen in the future cannot be predicted exactly. For example, where you will be in 3 years. 3 years is a short time, and a lot needs to be done during this period: justice reform, the fight against corruption. I urge everyone to focus on what needs to be done and support the great goal that your country is pursuing. The remaining details can be discussed when all the opportunities for rapprochement are used,” Janis Mazeiks concluded.