Katan, Μ. (2014) “Moldova in Integration Vectors“, European Dialogue, 27 December 2013.
In Moldova, began an active struggle for change integration vector with the EU’s customs union.
Ruling alliance , which intends to August next year sign an association agreement and the creation of a free economic zone with the EU , attacking from three sides: from the east – Transnistria, in the south – Gagauz autonomy , in the center – Communist Party , headed by former President Vladimir Voronin . The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Transnistria Nina Shtanski warned Head of EU Delegation in Chisinau Pirkko Tapiola that Tiraspol will not accept proposals from Chisinau , on the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict , to solve the problem with the signing of Moldova agreement to establish a free economic zone with the European Union . According to Tiraspol , this zone carries serious risks for Transnistria , and the region is set to a different direction – a pro-Russian , so – to the Customs Union.
A Gagauz autonomy of Moldova intends to hold a referendum on February 2 , which should show right on their own assessment of the Gagauz Moldovan foreign policy and the choice of foreign policy guidelines . It is known that the Gagauz favor Customs Union. While recently on a visit to Turkey, the Moldovan President Timofti complained that some leaders do not support the autonomy of the official policy of rapprochement with the European Union and want to initiate a referendum on accession to the Customs Union of Russia , Belarus and Kazakhstan.
The governor ( head ) of Gagauzia has sent a formal request to the President of Turkey Abdullah Gul asking Ankara to announce the official position of the submissions of the press service of the Moldovan Presidency statements about the Turkish leader of Gagauzia and Moldova together with European integration at a meeting with Moldovan President Timofti.
According to the Moldovan presidency , Abdullah Gul said that ” all citizens of the Republic of Moldova , including in Gagauzia , benefit from the effects of integration into the European Union ” , and added that the country’s foreign policy ” should be promoted exclusively by central government authorities. Official Chisinau question the right of Gagauzia to participate in the formation of domestic and foreign policy of Moldova in matters relating to the interests of Gagauzia.
As for the Communists , whose party program is marked as time European development vector , its leaders today in favor of a return stroke. Former President Vladimir Voronin convinces the electorate that the country will deploy again to the East, if he wins the election. Political analysts believe that Moscow has been working on this term. Earlier Moldovans could enter without a visa in Russia , three months to go and immediately enter back. On January 1, they will be able to return to Russia only after three months. This means that many will lose their jobs and the election will vote against the current government.
Relevant posts:
- Emerson, M. (2014) “Trade policy issues in the Wider Europe – that led to war and not yet to peace“, EU Foreign Policy, CEPS Working Documents, 16 July.
- Knott, E. (2014) “Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine’s signing of EU co-operation agreements marks their transition from ‘post-Soviet’ to ‘European’ states“, LSE EUROPP, 30 June.
- Samadashvili, S. (2014) The magnetic pull of Europe’s soft power, EU Observer, Opinion Article, 27 June.