This article appeared originally in January 2011 issue of Live&Learn, ETF quarterly magazine.

The Republic of Moldova shows how a change in government approach and commitment can dramatically change international relationships. The inauguration of a new government in the Republic of Moldova in 2009 signalled the intensification of political dialogue between Brussels and the national authorities in Chisinau. The coalition cabinet of Prime Minister Vlad Filat has decisively locked its sights onto the European Union.

According to the man in charge of relationships with Moldova at the Directorate General for External Relations in Brussels, there is a lot more than rhetoric to the intensification of links.

‘Two of the new government’s key policy aims are reducing the country’s poverty, which is severe, and moving closer to the European Union,’ says John Kjaer, the Head of Unit for Relations with Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Southern Caucasus.

‘Cooperation with the EU has intensified in a number of areas in the past year. Living in the poorest country in Europe, the Moldovans face huge challenges but the good thing is that many of these are shared with other countries that aspire to closer links with the EU: the need to reform their economy, the need to work towards legal and regulatory convergence, and the need to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.’

‘Moldova is a small country and that is an advantage. When the political will is there, it is possible to get things done quickly.’

John Kjaer knows from personal experience how swiftly small countries can move under dedicated guidance. He was the Head of the EU Delegation in Tallinn in the four years leading up to Estonia’s accession to the European Union.

‘The enthusiasm and dedication of the current government is significant,’ he says. ‘They address with vigour the core issues that will need to be cleared before we can sign an association agreement.’

A good example of this is the work in justice and in mobility, where ETF support to Moldovan labour market development fits in.

‘The activities under the Mobility Partnership are not a strict requirement for more formal cooperation, but they will become an important part of a future association agreement. The vigour with which the Moldovans approach these issues too really shows their determination.’

‘Another thing that will feature prominently in a future association agreement is cooperation in specific sectors where we need what we call “approximation and convergence with EU legislation”. This is very important, for example in fields such as the environment and energy.’

‘Finally, a key element of our work with Moldova is clearing the road for a deep and comprehensive free trade area, or DCFTA. This is one of the novelties of the Eastern Partnership that goes much further than we ever went before with non-Member States.’

Read the whole article in Live&Learn
Go to January issue of Live&Learn to read reports from Moldova, Turkey, occupied Palestinian territories and more.
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