 membership. While the country has received numerous European investments, some residents in the autonomous region of Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia) harbor concerns about this process, citing various fears. Among these fears is the apprehension that local production might suffer, and the domestic market could be flooded with foreign-origin products.){kind=link}
On June 23, 2023, Moldova celebrated one year since it received candidacy status for European Union (EU) membership. While the country has received numerous European investments, some residents in the autonomous region of Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia) harbor concerns about this process, citing various fears. Among these fears is the apprehension that local production might suffer, and the domestic market could be flooded with foreign-origin products.
But what does Moldova’s accession to the European Union mean for local production? Will the domestic market be inundated with foreign products? These questions find answers in the insights provided by Mihai Mogâldea, Deputy Director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE).
Mihai Mogâldea emphasizes that, on the contrary, the European Union actively encourages and protects the activities of domestic producers by providing subsidies, compensations, and financial assistance.
“Recent years’ experience shows that over 60% of exports go to the European Union market. At the same time, when we compare the volume of exports to that of imports across various segments, especially in the category of fruits, vegetables, and cereals – products extensively cultivated in Moldova – we observe that there is a much larger volume of products exported from Moldova than those imported. Therefore, there are no risks of the domestic market being flooded with foreign-origin products. Moreover, the regulations within the European Union aid in developing the domestic market, protect domestic producers from potential risks related to a lack of market access and promote trade exchanges. Furthermore, when there are issues related to agriculture, the development of specific agricultural products, and concerns about drought, climate, and market access, the European Union provides subsidies to farmers in European countries”, explained the expert in a ZdG interview.
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“What our farmers, small-scale producers, and farmers, as well as those managing small and medium-sized enterprises, need to understand is that within the European Union, their rights and opportunities will see even greater development and the existing risks will be mitigated through subsidies, compensations, and financial assistance provided by the European Union,” concluded Mogaldea.
Moldova’s path toward EU membership continues to be marked by economic opportunities and the assurance of support for local industries, assuaging concerns and fostering optimism among its residents.