The Republic of Moldova, Romania, Europe

The Association and Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union was ratified by the Chisinau and Bucharest parliaments on the same day

România Internațional, 03.07.2014, 13:07

This synchronization, by no means coincidental, is yet again proof of Romania’s unconditional support for Moldova.

On August 27, 1991, the day when the Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union, right after the failed neo-Bolshevik coup in Moscow, Romania was the first country in the world to recognise the new state. Twenty-five years later, Romania, which shares the same language, history and culture with the Republic of Moldova, was the first of 28 EU members states to ratify Chisinau’s association agreement with the European bloc. The Romanian Chamber of Deputies passed the document by a wide majority. Romanian politicians from all parties see this reintegration in Europe of Romania’s eastern territories, annexed by the Soviets in 1940, as historic.

Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean: “Naturally, this accord has a political component of association, it is a step ahead as compared with the previous cooperation accord between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union and a solid basis for a future integration of this country into the Union.”

Born in the former Soviet Union and elected member of the Bucharest parliament by the Romanian citizens from the Republic of Moldova, Eugen Tomac says that Chisinau’s nearing Brussels is also the result of Romania’s consistent support:

Eugen Tomac: “The fact that we ratify Moldova’s association agreement with the EU means a lot for the Romanians on the other side of River Prut. The signing of this agreement means a definitive escape from Russian influence and a first process of finding the Romanian nation under the same EU flag.”

At the same time with the Bucharest parliament, the Parliament in Chisinau ratified the agreement. Boycotted by the pro-Moscow communist and socialist opposition, that have threatened to get closer to Russia again, if they return to power after the legislative elections this fall, the vote was hailed by thousands of people gathered in front of the Parliament headquarters. Head of the Moldovan parliament, Igor Corman, on behalf of the pro-Western Majority, spoke against the stubbornness of the communists:

Igor Corman: “The opposition has no objective reason to vote against the ratification. There is no serious explanation for voting against your own country’s modernization and against the interests of Moldovan citizens. Electoral interests must coincide with people’s expectations, not be against them.”

A tireless promoter of his country’s EU integration, Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca has said that Moldova’s signing the association agreement with the EU is, for Chisinau, the most important turning point in the country’s history after the proclamation of independence.