Moldova can have significant economic, social development in nearest future

Interview given to MOLDPRES News Agency by President of European People's Party Joseph Daul:

MOLDPRES: You arrived in Moldova on 3 November. You have already visited more places. How did you find our country?

Daul: Each time when I come to the capital of a country, I have meetings with the ministerial services. Yesterday, I ruled to go to province. I visited a nut plantation and a porcines factory. It is important that they operate in accordance with the European norms.

M: You have met more officials from Moldova. What have you discussed?

D: The talks were focused on the parliamentary elections, as that is why I am here in Moldova, as well as on European integration. Many times, I say that Europe did not impose a certain thing. In this respect, I talked to more mayors from Moldova. I said: you must decide, this is democracy. I believe that most Moldovans want to implement European norms and values. First of all, it is about peace, economic and social development. When I say European values, I mean also respect for the national minorities and their languages.

M: In April 2014, Moldova got a visa free regime with the EU, and signed the Association Agreement with the EU was signed in June. How does the EU see our country after these important events?

D: Moldova is seen with good eyes, otherwise the Association Agreement would not have existed, and the liberalised visa regime have not been provided. I believe Moldova goes the right way – towards integration.

M: How do you think, what path will Moldova choose after the 30 November polls?

D: If you choose the pro-European way, then the Association Agreement is to be implemented by the new government. I here want to give the example of Croatia. You see how fast Croatia could enforce this agreement, to edify the rule of law state and reform justice. If you carry out these two things, then you can combat the corruption as well. Besides, in the next three years, 410 million euros were scheduled for Moldova on behalf of the EU. Thus financial support will allow establishing the rule of law state, reforming justice, developing infrastructure, carrying out the education reform. These are the main aspects. If there is rule of law state, you will have investments from abroad too.

M: After the talks you have had, do you believe that the Moldovan political forces have sufficient will to continue this path?

D: Yes, I think there is will. Yet, I also believe that we have to provide support for building the rule of law state and reformation of justice.

M: What actions will EU undertake in the nearest future to back Moldova?

D: We will do exactly as in the case of Croatia. We will make available persons who will say what must be done and how it should be done. But Moldova have to decide, politicians from Moldova have to decide, and not European ones. Once the citizens express their political will, we will switch to the implementation of the agreement, which will be ratified by the European Parliament on 13 November. The assistance due to come from EU will confirm, along with the edification of the rule of law state and the justice reform, the real European values. Moldova’s geographical situation is extraordinary. Moldova can have a significant economic and social development in the nearest future.

M: You say that the citizens are those who must decide their future. We have a situation when the citizens are divided in two: those willing to go to the East and – to the West. What should the Moldovan political forces do to unite the country’s residents around a single national idea?

D: I cannot vote for Moldovans. I believe that they remember what happened in Moldova 60 years ago. I also thinking about young people who can see what happens in such countries as Poland, the Baltic countries in terms of European values. If the country wants to develop and applies the European rules and values, then it will be developing. If another democratic will is expressed, then many Moldovans will leave the country, which happens at present too, and might be fostered in future. 

M: We know you back and share the ideas promoted by the PLDM (Liberal Democratic People's Party). Why namely PLDM?

D: Because it is one of adherents of our party. Because it defends our values and the European ones.

M: How the situation in Ukraine could influence Moldova, especially before the parliamentary polls?

D: If we consider the polls in Ukraine, then the situation is clear. It is clear what Ukrainians want. It is very clear. They want to join our values and we will continue to back them. I am sure that Moldovans want to be European citizens and I believe that Moldova will be European one.