Republica Moldova Takes its Place on the European Map, Says Analyst Ion Tăbîrță

The European Political Community Summit, held in Chisinau, is a historic event that demonstrates the Republic of Moldova’s presence on the map of Europe and its determination to move beyond the geopolitical “gray area.” Moreover, the summit is expected to bring numerous advantages to Moldovan society in the future compared to the disadvantages associated with the organizational process, according to political analyst Ion Tabirta in an exclusive interview with Realitatea.md.

The political commentator also highlighted the benefits resulting from the organization of this gathering in Chisinau. “From a practical standpoint, the authorities present the following advantages: international visibility leading to the promotion of the Republic of Moldova for attracting investments; the event will generate an increase in revenues for the hospitality industry; the visibility of the Republic of Moldova will stimulate tourism development; and the expansion of economic relations between our country and other European states. However, it is important to note that these socio-economic benefits will not automatically come to fruition for the Republic of Moldova but depend on the Moldovan authorities’ capacity to seize the opportunities created by hosting the European Political Community Summit for the development of our nation. Nevertheless, equally important, if not more, is the symbolic aspect of this event. Hosting the European Political Community Summit in our country is a clear demonstration that the Republic of Moldova has begun to exist and make its mark on the map of Europe. Until 2022, the Eastern Partnership countries, including the Republic of Moldova, did not have a guaranteed European perspective from the EU. Besides being a progressive decision, organizing the summit in our country is a recognition of the efforts made by the Republic of Moldova to Europeanize and democratize. This signifies that European states invest a great deal of confidence in the success of the democratic reforms in the Republic of Moldova. The support of the European community for the Republic of Moldova is unequivocal,” stated Ion Tabirta.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the law enforcement agencies in Chisinau are believed to be capable of ensuring security. Tabirta is confident in this regard, stating that “the Moldovan forces responsible for maintaining public order have gained significant experience during the autumn and winter, successfully countering attempts to destabilize the social and political situation in the Republic of Moldova instigated by the likes of Shor and directed from abroad.”

The hosting of this event by the Republic of Moldova poses challenges for our country, both in terms of organization and security. The summit’s organization required substantial efforts from the authorities to address infrastructure-related matters. Additionally, it will inevitably cause traffic disruptions. Opting to hold the event outside Chisinau was a prudent decision to prevent a complete halt in the capital’s traffic for several days. Citizens must understand that the historic significance of this summit for the Republic of Moldova far outweighs the inconveniences they may experience during its implementation. Regarding security, I am confident that the law enforcement forces will meet the standards. First, although not publicly disclosed, the organization of such events involves the security services of several countries, and it is certain that the Republic of Moldova will receive assistance from the security services of other nations throughout the summit. Second, the Moldovan forces responsible for maintaining public order have gained significant experience during the autumn and winter when they successfully countered attempts to destabilize the social and political situation in the Republic of Moldova led by the likes of Shor and orchestrated from abroad,” added Tabirta.

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At the historic event, which will take place at Castel Mimi on Thursday and Friday, discussions are expected to cover the situation in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, as well as Chisinau’s relations with the Russian Federation, according to political analyst Ion Tabirta. What can we expect?

“It is difficult to say at this point what decisions will be made at this summit. The situation in Europe and the challenges it has faced in recent years will be discussed. The topic of Ukraine will certainly be a significant part of the discussions, covering a substantial portion of the meeting’s agenda. Undoubtedly, discussions on relations with Russia will also take place. For Chisinau, it is crucial that the subject of the Republic of Moldova occupies a substantial part of the summit’s agenda. I want to believe that Moldovan diplomacy has successfully put forward the topic of the Republic of Moldova consistently in the event’s program. If Moldovan diplomacy has not always managed to prioritize the Republic of Moldova in certain situations, then Romanian diplomacy, as far as we know, will undoubtedly support and promote its colleagues from Chisinau. Regarding the acceleration of the Republic of Moldova’s accession process to the European Union, ‘the ball is in our court.’ The EU demonstrates full openness towards Chisinau, and the progress of integration will depend on the capacity of the government in Chisinau to implement the necessary reforms to deepen the process of aligning the Republic of Moldova with the norms and standards of the European Union, thus integrating our status into the community space,” concluded the analyst.

The Republic of Moldova is hosting the Summit of the European Political Community, which will take place on June 1, 2023, bringing together, for the first time, 50 presidents, prime ministers, and high-ranking European officials. The summit will be held at Castel Mimi in the village of Bulboaca, Anenii Noi district, approximately 35 kilometers away from Chisinau.