Kõne: Conference of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung “Deepening the Partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova”

Monday, 08.12.2008, 12:33 / SEISUKOHAD / RSS

Remarks by Marianne Mikko, MEP,
at the Conference of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
“Deepening the Partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova”
8 December 2008
Brussels

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to be here. In the past a little bit more than four years I have been able not only to observe the developing partnership between the European Union and Moldova, but I have also participated in this process. It has sometimes been a bumpy ride on two-way street.

In May 2007 Eduard Lucas, the largely known journalist from „The Economist“, visited Moldova and wrote afterwards in his blog: „Moldova is not only the poorest ex-communist country in Europe; it is also last in the queue for love and attention. […] The last thing the EU wants is another chunk of dirt-poor, ill-run, ex-communist nuisance.“

Today, a year and a half later I am glad to assert that these words do not hold the entire truth. Moldova is definately not „the last in queue for love and attention.“ Last week the European Commission made public its proposal for a new Eastern Partnership that represents a change in the EU’s relations with six countries, including Moldova. The European Union has clearly demonstrated commitment to take the relations with Moldova to a new level. The membership in the EU is another thing.

I said earlier today and have said it numerous times before that the relationship between the EU and Moldova is a two-way street. The European Union has this autumn shown its „love and attention“ to Moldova and not once.

Now Moldova has to prove its worth. Either democracy is really functioning or it is only a game. Is democracy a face that Moldova puts on when it is convinient. So, what is the true face of Moldova?

The elections next spring will be the litmus test. If Moldova holds elections that are in align with international standards, or as journalists like to put it free and fair, then the face of real democracy will be seen and recognized by the whole world. There will be no obstacles on the further integration with the EU.

Then why do I have some doubts? Let me give you some examples that feed my doubts.

Last October a six per cent threshold was adopted for the political parties to make their way to the Parliament. However, the OSCE has said several times that four per cent is the highest possible threshold. Otherwise the opposition parties have no chance.

Moldova’s legislation allows multiple citizenship. However, the obstacles are set on the way of those politicians who hold Romanian citizenship as one of two or many. In case they are elected they have to give up their Romanian passport although it is perfectly legal.

Media freedom. Freedom of expression is an integral part of democratic election process. An independent and diverse media sector is the best way to ensure that a wide range of opinion and viewpoints are expressed and communicated to the public. So the people of Moldova can make their choice. An informed choice. Moldovan media landscape is diverse but there is no media freedom.

Now, the political landscape. This is also diverse, too diverse in my opinion. There are so many small so-called opposition parties that voters are definitely confused and cannot make a difference between them. Furthermore, many of those parties are the output of the political ambitions of a sole man. Not carrying one or the other political view or standpoint or, what is most important, the desire to make better the life of Moldovan people and Moldova as a country.

There are many, many more examples I could bring. These examples cause doubts whether Moldova is a real democracy or only playing the game of democracy. And that worries me. A lot.

Genuine elections are a vital component of democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law. Elections show the strength of democratic institutions and build public confidence in the state at home and abroad.

The EU has seen the changes in Eastern Europe and recognized the need for the further development of an Eastern dimension within the European Neighbourhood Policy. That has brought along the Eastern Partnership initiative. The European Commission says that there is a sense of urgency among Member States as to the need to enhance relations with our Eastern neighbours to support them in drawing closer to the EU.

The Eastern Partnership is more ambitious and aims to deepen the bilateral EU engagement with the six countries, among which is also Moldova. It foresees as the most important the new contractual relations – association agreements; gradual integration into the EU economy; visa free travel and labour mobility; enhanced energy security arrangements benefiting all concerned, and increased financial assistance.

The European Union already provides funding to the Eastern Partner countries for bilateral programmes under the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI). Between 2007 and 2010 for Moldova the EU has envisaged the spending of 209.7 million Euros. This is a huge sum of money. It should be used to do good and not be wasted or in the worst case stolen.

If Moldova pulls itself together – holds genuine democratic elections, speeds up the reforms, implements the legislation that to date remains only on paper and uses the money of donors effectively to improve the state and, most importantly, the lives of people, then the words of Edward Lucas I quoted at the beginning can and will never be used to describe this small but beautiful country.

But all this needs commitment and work. A lot of work. And devotion. I know that Moldova has all the potential.

Thank you.