The Republic of Moldova cannot join the European Union without the Transnistrian region, either legally or in practice, said Vlad Kulminski, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States and former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, during the Rezoomat program on Realitatea TV.
“Integration cannot stop at the Dniester River. That is out of the question. It is impossible,” Vlad Kulminski said.
He explained that such a scenario is impossible both from a legal perspective and under international law.
“No, neither legally nor practically. This is not possible. When we joined the United Nations, we did not join without the Transnistrian region. When we negotiated the DCFTA, we did so on behalf of the Republic of Moldova. Not a single country in the world recognizes the independence of Transnistria. Not one country. Not even the Russian Federation. From a legal, moral, international law, and practical standpoint, the Republic of Moldova cannot join the European Union without the Transnistrian region,” Kulminski stated.
He made these remarks in the context of previous statements by President Maia Sandu, who publicly acknowledged the possibility of an alternative two step EU accession scenario if reintegration proves impossible due to the presence of Russian troops on the left bank of the Dniester River.
The president stressed that the Russian military presence represents the greatest obstacle to the country’s reintegration and could affect the European Union accession process.