‘The regions of Moldova deserve a European future’ – a project that aims to support and promote European values in Moldova – was launched on Monday, 27 April 2015, in Chisinau. The initiative is based on a partnership between experts from the Republic of Moldova and Slovak Republic. The project is implemented by IDIS ‘Viitorul’ (Institute for Development and Social Initiatives) in cooperation with the Slovak Foreign Policy Association and with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovak Republic.

The aim of the initiative is to stimulate broad debate and promote European values in the regions of Moldova with the broad participation of civil society, local public administration, entrepreneurs, etc. The project has a duration of one year and will end on 30 April 2016. At the opening event, the program director of IDIS ‘Viitorul’, Corneliu Ciurea, said: ‘We are glad to see you here today. It is a project through which we are trying, through various activities, to promote European values in a fairly difficult context. The margin of support for European ideas does not always reach the desired level. The project will have two basic dimensions. Firstly, we will continue thematic social caricature exhibitions; Secondly, we will launch public debates, both with the political elites in the regions, as well as with society as a whole’.

Attending the event, Robert Kirnag, Ambassador of Slovak Republic to the Republic of Moldova, stressed that he was honoured to be present at the inauguration of this project. ‘I am sure that this initiative will be successful in that it will bring the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union. This means stability and prosperity. I am confident in the success story of Moldova; everything is possible and depends both on political will, as well as the support of the citizens for the idea of integration. The road embarked upon by all of you is likely to lead to successes’.

‘It is a pleasure to attend the inauguration of this ambitious project, generously supported by the Slovak side, which aims to facilitate Moldova’s European integration and strengthen the efforts of the authorities and civil society. Slovakia’s successful experience is useful for Moldova and we appreciate the willingness to share it, which proves the solidarity of the Slovak Republic’ said the Director of the General European Integration Department, Daniela Morari.

The second panel housed discussions on the perception of European integration in the regions. Thus, the Head of the Department of International Relations and Investment Attraction within the Ministry of Regional Development and Construction, Svetlana Andries, believes that ‘we must learn to identify success stories in those settlements that have managed to attract resources and improve quality of life’.

Sergiu Cornea, vice-rector of the University of Cahul, stressed the need to promote the European idea through four distinct strategies – 1) launching messages targeted at distinct segments of citizens, 2) diversifying the manner of promoting the pro-European message by increasing its attractiveness, 3) providing clear examples of EU support granted to Moldova, 4) investments in competitiveness for entrepreneurs. In addition, according to the expert, special attention should be granted to the Taraclia Rayon and the Gagauzia ATU.

Liudmila Mitioglo, director of the ProEuropa Center from Comrat, emphasized the deficiencies in promoting the European idea in Gagauzia. According to the activist, there are no real possibilities to influence mass media, who have a different political orientation. In addition, a possible defect is the soft and non-political character of the pro-European campaigns. Opponents of this idea are heard more because they politicize the subject. According to Liudmila Mitioglo, another flaw of the campaign lies with the fact that the EU is not clear on what it wishes from the Republic of Moldova, whereas Russia is more assertive.

16 roundtables shall be organized in 8 preselected locations (Balti, Comrat, Cahul, Orhei, Edinet, Ialoveni, Hincesti, Straseni) as part of the project, where participants will focus on the specific issues of a given region.