'EU must help Moldova'

A nail-biting finish, followed by relief: The pro-European camp in the Republic of Moldova has come out on top in the parliamentary elections. The alliance of Liberal Democrats, Democrats and Liberals has secured a narrow majority and will now aim to put together a new government as quickly as possible.

But this government won't have it easy in the new parliament. The pro-Russian Socialists will constantly remind it that they were the real winners of the election, as they won the biggest share of the vote. Together with the Communists they will try to block some of the planned reforms. However, they will also try to find kindred spirits in the pro-European alliance on issues such as fighting corruption, empowering the judiciary, and consolidating the constitutional state.

The government in Chisinau has been given a mandate to keep the country on a course that will bring it closer to the European Union. Another four years in which to implement the Association and Free Trade Agreement signed in the summer, and to get the country into shape for the opening of accession negotiations.

EU must show its colors

In the current complicated geopolitical context with the crisis in Ukraine, the EU must pin its colors to the mast. If it is serious about giving the Republic of Moldova a European perspective, it must give the government a clear date for the possible integration of the country into the EU. Anything else would merely be a substitute, which could upset the mood of the country even further.

More even than this important symbolic gesture, the country needs economic and political support. The Republic of Moldova will lose an estimated 100 million euros this year alone as a result of the Russian trade boycott. Until now, Moldovan producers have found it hard to develop new markets within the EU. Opening up these markets would be a first step towards alleviating the situation.

A broader energy supply is also urgently needed this winter, as the country is entirely dependent on Russian gas. Russia is also expected to implement additional measures aimed at bringing Chisinau to its senses. There are currently around 500,000 Moldovan guest workers in Russia. If they were to be sent home, the Republic of Moldova would struggle to cope with the sudden rise in the numbers of unemployed. Investment from EU member states is urgently needed.

Potential hotspot

On a political level the EU must campaign more vigorously for a solution for the frozen Transnistria conflict. Russian soldiers are still stationed in the separatist region, despite Moscow's commitment made in 1999 to withdraw the troops. Many Moldovans fear that the conflict in and around Transnistria could flare up again as a result of the crisis in Ukraine. Added to this is the tense situation in the autonomous region of Gagauzia, where pro-Russian separatist tendencies are on the increase.

The European Union therefore still has much to do if it doesn't want the Republic of Moldova's perspective of joining Europe to remain an eternal mirage. However, the new government in Chisinau must do even more. After numerous declarations of intention, it must now not only tackle the reform deadlock but also implement the individual points of the Association Agreement. Partner states, including Germany, have clearly indicated that they will support it in this.