Foreign Policy Association together with Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung offer you a newsletter on foreign policy and European integration issues of the Republic of Moldova. The newsletter is part of the “Foreign Policy Dialogue” joint Project. NEWSLETTER MONTHLY BULLETIN JANUARY 2021 NR.1 (179) Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The newsletter is developed by Mădălin Necșuțu, editor-coordinator TOPICS OF THE EDITION: 1. Cristina Gherasimov, foreign policy advisor to President Maia Sandu:“Moldova’s foreign policy in upcoming years should help protect and promote the interests of its citizens” 2. Editorial by Madalin Necsutu, journalist, contributor to the Balkan Insight: “How Maia Sandu thawed the relations with the neighbours and the West” 3. Marko Shevchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova: “Ukraine and Moldova are a part of the European family, so nobody can reasonably question their European aspirations” 4. Expert Opinion. Natalia Stercul: “New Window of Opportunity for the Moldovan-Ukrainian Dialogue: Right Time to Act ”
News in Brief Moldova will receive the first batches of Diplomatic Thaw and Development COVID-19 vaccine starting with mid-February 2021. Chisinau will receive 24,570 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (Comirnaty) and 264,000 doses produced by Oxford /AstraZeneca. The vaccine produced Prospects of the Republic of Moldova by Oxford/AstraZeneca will be delivered to Moldova in installments, starting with the end of February, for the first and second quarters. The COVAX platform is one of three pillars of access to the COVID-19 (ACT) Accelerator (Diagnosis, Treatment and Vaccines) tools, which was launched in April by the WHO, the European Commission and France in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVAX has received applications for the supply of COVID-19 vaccine from 72 countries. In the first stage, only 18 countries were selected, including Republic of Moldova, which will receive free doses of COVAX to vaccinate 20 per cent of the population. Subsequently, Moldova will procure vaccines through COVAX at a preferential price. Republic of Moldova joined COVAX in August 2020, through a letter of intent signed by the Ministry of Health. The application for the COVID-19 vaccine was sent on December 7th.
Romania offers emergency humanitarian aid to the Republic of Moldova to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aid, which consists of medical protection equipment, totalling about 48 million lei, will arrive in Chisinau in the coming President Maia Sandu with French counterpart days. The first batch of aid provided by the Bucharest Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace Government, totalling 2.2 million Euros, arrived on February 11 and ended on February 13. “The Romanian government has decided to provide emergency external The meetings of the The four meetings held level with the counterpart humanitarian aid free of charge to the Moldovan authorities. The Romanian delegation participating in new President of the one after the other by institutions in the states the mission will be made up of the General Inspectorate Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu in Chisinau, mentioned above. for Emergency Situations, of eight people”, announced the Prime Minister of Romania, Florin Citu. In the Maia Sandu, with the Kyiv, Brussels and Paris first phase, humanitarian aid will consist of medical neighbours and some have brought material On February 10, Romania protective equipment: 1.5 million surgical masks, 100,000 FFP3 masks, 100,000 medical suits and 100,000 of the most important benefits and restored the announced a new concrete non-sterile gloves. development partners of relations between Chisinau medical aid worth 2.2 President Maia Sandu assured, after the visit the country have quickly and several traditional million euros in the form to Brussels on January 17-19, that it would be paid off. The shift in the partners of the Republic of medical equipment possible to unblock the EU funding after the future early elections. “The EU has a huge potential for paradigm and the thawing of Moldova that had been designed to fight the assistance to Moldova, which has been missed in recent of relations with them frozen during Igor Dodon's coronavirus pandemic. years due to the fact that the country's leadership has included people who pursue personal, corrupt interests, have produced immediate presidential term. Moreover, Bucharest and not the interests of citizens. The EU wants to help us, effects, unlocking funds Brussels have worked but it wants to see a reliable partner. Therefore, our task is to organize the work in the country, we must have a and new development Maya Sandu's concentrated together to pave the stable and responsible leadership. When this happens, opportunities in Moldova's diplomatic campaign has way for the Republic the EU will unblock all funding to our country,” Sandu said in a press briefing after returning from Brussels. relations with Romania, rethought the relationship of Moldova to receive Sandu also said that snap parliamentary elections should Ukraine, the European at the Republic of medical aid in these be held in Moldova as soon as possible, and then “the responsible deputies will be able to change the laws Union and France. Moldova's presidential difficult times. adopted by the Socialists and the deputies of the Shor Party”, after which the country will receive the necessary funding. Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 2 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates "As a result of the discussions we had with the Romanian President Klaus Moldova’s foreign policy in Iohannis, the Prime Minister of Romania Florin Citu and with high EU officials, upcoming years should help it was possible to reactivate, as an exception for our country, the European protect and promote the Civil Protection Mechanism through which the EU countries can help us with donations," said Maia Sandu. interests of its citizens
Kyiv and Chisinau have agreed Cristina Gherasimov, foreign policy advisor to President Maia Sandu on infrastructure projects such as constructing a bridge over the Nistru in the Yampil-Cosauti region and a highway that will connect the two capitals aimed at shortening travel times, increasing trade relations and further interconnecting the two states to the European motorways.
From Brussels, Maia Sandu has returned with promises of thawing the funding as soon as reforms are implemented and a concrete aid of 21.4 million euros on the police reform. From Paris, the newly elected Moldovan President has returned with the French's interest to invest in infrastructure projects in Moldova, increasing the potential in bilateral trade and support for the European course. resident Maia Sandu’s recent visits community to no longer see Moldova as The most notable achievement of this Pto several European capitals have a country open to reforms. Moldova was mini-diplomatic tour of Maia Sandu invigorated Moldova’s relations with perceived as a country that chose the path remains the Republic of Moldova's Chisinau’s neighbours and traditional of stagnation and not that of progress. exit from the international isolation partners in terms of its European For this reason, Moldova has virtually in the West. More precisely, the re- aspirations. We talked with the disappeared from the European agenda. establishment of strategic relations in a presidential adviser on foreign policy, natural path, from where Chisinau can Cristina Gherasimov, who has provided In this context of isolation and freezing receive concrete material and political a series of interesting details about the of relations with its strategic and assistance in the coming years. significance of President Maia Sandu’s development partners, in addition to the recent meetings with her counterparts pandemic that is going to continue to cost In this edition, we are inviting you to read from Ukraine, France, and Brussels. What us dearly in 2021 – both in human lives an interview with the presidential adviser are the stakes and the most important and as economic and social impact - the on foreign policy, Cristina Gherasimov, aspects of these meetings were find out in main objective of Moldova’s foreign policy and an editorial on how President the following interview: in upcoming years is to promote an active Maia Sandu thawed the relations with and consistent policy that will help protect European partners and Moldova's If you were to name five foreign policy and promote the interests of its citizens. neighbouring countries. We have also priorities of the Republic of Moldova, published an exclusive interview with what would they be in your opinion and The government’s outreach abroad should the Ambassador of Ukraine to Chisinau, why? help facilitate the post-Covid recovery His Excellency Marko Shevchenko, and process, revive the economy by attracting last but not least, the expert opinion on During the last five years, Moldova has foreign investment and promoting exports, the opportunities and challenges of the undercut its own development process by and develop a more favourable regional bilateral Chisinau-Kyiv relationship by freezing relations with its main external environment, especially with our direct Natalia Stercul, expert with the Foreign development partners. The cases of high- neighbours. This will then allow us to Policy Association of Moldova (APE). level corruption and the lack of political focus efforts on sustainable domestic Mădălin Necșuțu will of Moldovan authorities to investigate transformations. We need to start first by these cases have caused the international improving relations with our neighbours,
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 3 thawing and deepening the political formed Council. Hopefully, these first or this problem can be addressed only dialogue with development partners. discussions at the level of heads of states bilaterally? This has to be based on trust and mutual have laid the foundation for constructive respect, common interests, cooperation cooperation, based on mutual and lasting This issue has been indeed discussed in and transparent communication. trust. Kyiv. We have confirmed our readiness for a wider discussion on all issues related to These objectives can only be achieved if If this political will at the level of heads the functioning of the Nistru Hydropower Moldova demonstrates consistency and of state continues to be supported by Complex. This is one of those sensitive political will domestically to pursue those respective parliaments and governments, topics that I have mentioned earlier. In this country strategies. the new strategic partnership could context, of course, the need to coordinate be directed towards strengthening our efforts to protect the ecology of the The complex Chisinau-Kyiv cooperation in the fields of trade and Nistru river basin has been addressed. relationship economy, environmental protection, The economic benefits for Ukraine that energy, interconnection of transport would be generated by increasing existing infrastructure, combating cross-border capacity or building new hydroelectric Why has the relationship with Kyiv been crime, and strengthening regional security. power plants on the Nistru - even if they so complicated all these years and what Our region is impacted by multiple crises. are understandable -should in no way impression did you get after the official Nevertheless, it also opens up many prevail over the environmental component visit to Kyiv? What aspects have thawed opportunities. Only through joint efforts as too many citizens on both river banks in this relationship and what are the with our neighbours can we succeed in depend on maintaining and protecting a future plans on this dimension? strengthening the stability and security healthy river ecosystem. in the region that will allow us to focus During these almost 30 years of both on modernizing our societies and Even though there is a bilateral independence, our relationship with Kyiv economies and also on better managing commission for the protection and has been and remains complicated. We existing threats and challenges. sustainable use of the Nistru river, the have multiple sensitive issues that require Moldovan side has proposed to reconsider both political will and goodwill on both Could you please give us some details a new joint appeal to our European sides to be resolved. Complex discussions about the composition of the new Council partners similar to the one launched in and negotiations are usually not prioritized under the two presidencies? What is 2018, when our prime-ministers jointly by authorities if these conditions are going to be its composition, how often addressed the European Commission. missing. will it meet and what would be, in Kyiv has expressed its openness to this general, its role? approach. During the visit in Brussels, we We are at a political stage when there have discussed the possibility for the EU is interest both in Chisinau and Kyiv to The legal framework of this Council to provide us with expertise to organize an address not only complicated cases, but has not yet been agreed upon, but it environmental impact assessment of the also to cooperate on concrete projects could include up to six members on Nistru river basin. that will allow to jointly explore the new behalf of each party, to be appointed by existing opportunities offered by our the presidents depending on the topics common aspirations towards European Assistance we get from Brussels proposed for consideration. Likewise, the integration. depends on the efforts we put in Council could convene at least once a year, alternately in Ukraine and Moldova. domestically The visit to Kyiv, which took place in early The role of the Council will be to provide January, is a first step in this direction. strategic direction for bilateral relations, How do you characterize your recent President Zelensky and his team have to conduct consultations on bilateral visit to Brussels? Are there promises to shown not only openness for talks and and regional issues of mutual interest, release funds for the Republic of Moldova, negotiations, but also a desire to build and to monitor the implementation of even if it does not have a Government new bridges between our countries, both agreements to be reached. inclined to reforms? How do they see the in direct and also figurative ways. These situation in Brussels and are they willing are the conditions that need to be present Both before and after the visit, in to continue supporting Moldova in such a that I mentioned earlier - political will and Chisinau and beyond, the Kyiv energy context? goodwill. During the visit, many topics plans on the Dniester River and the of strategic importance on our bilateral possible negative impact on the President Sandu was received very agenda, regional security and European environment for the Republic of Moldova warmly in Brussels. This speaks about integration have been addressed. We have been intensely commented. How the support that Moldova is given for its agreed to continue the political dialogue did the discussions on this topic go and European path if it is ready to pursue the on these issues at the levels of government what was agreed? Could Moldova request implementation of the reforms within the and parliament, as well as at the level of the EU expertise/ mediation on this issue Association Agreement. presidents within the premises of a newly
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 4Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The timing of this visit is also important issues on the bilateral agenda and what Should we expect a visit to Germany by because the assistance that will be offered was actually achieved as a result of this President Maia Sandu in the near future, to the six Eastern Partnership countries, visit? where, as we well know, she is very well including to the Republic of Moldova, for regarded? the next financial cycle is now discussed It is an important visit from several and negotiated in Brussels. In this regard, perspectives. First, it came at the initiative Germany is a key development partner the talks in Brussels were also necessary of the French Presidency. It means a lot to for our country. It is an EU member state to ensure that an increase of the financial our country in the context in which the last that has supported us and continues to do envelope for our country could be meeting at the presidential level took place so, not least because we have also invested considered not only for 2021, but also for in 1998, in Chisinau. This invitation is a sign time in cultivating these good relations of the coming years. of firm support offered to President Sandu cooperation and friendship throughout the by France in its efforts to succeed with the years. If we receive an invitation to visit We are often used to measuring the democratic reforms in Moldova. Berlin, I can only assume that President impact of visits in concrete and immediate Sandu will accept it. donations - “What did you come back Second, as one of the most influential with? What did you bring?” We need countries in the European Union, France The need for to get rid of this mentality. Especially if plays a decisive role in the evolution of the domestic political we remember how much our relations European Union’s policy towards the Republic consensus with Brussels have been damaged in of Moldova and the assistance provided recent years. Strategic relationships from Brussels. The support of France, in this How imperative is it to hold early require consistent efforts, discussions and context, namely when deciding the financial elections and then form a majority to negotiations that lead to decisions made allocations for the coming years for the region, support pro-European reforms? and activities implemented, not just stated including for the Republic of Moldova, is a or written on paper. This is the only way very important one. The existence of a national consensus to build genuine trust-based relationships around the need to conduct pro-European that could generate assistance in the Numerous topics have been discussed reforms is, first of all, important for us, future for the exclusive benefit of citizens on the bilateral agenda, including the for the process of development and even when we have governments that initiation of negotiations for the signing modernization of our country. It is through are not willing to carry out complex and of a social security agreement for our this lens that we should look at the need painful reforms. citizens, the possibility of facilitating the for coordinated efforts between the process of converting driving licenses for executive and the legislature, and not just It is certain that if we do not carry out Moldovans residing in France, the signing through the lens of the need to improve the reforms we have committed to, we of the convention on double taxation, relations with Western partners. cannot expect new disbursements or increased cooperation and assistance for new financing instruments, neither in the bilingual classes and vocational education, At the same time, you can have an aligned short nor in the longer term. The EU is not as well as in the fields of protection and government-president-parliament axis an ATM from where to withdraw money restoration of historical monuments. We which will not achieve much for the every time we need it. The assistance we also discussed how France can better benefit of the citizens, if the interests of get from Brussels depends on the efforts support good governance in Moldova, such a coalition differ from the national we put in domestically, and the political as well as the ways in which it could ones. Likewise, you can have cohabitating will that we demonstrate in the coming help us consolidate the statehood and political forces that are able to achieve months. independence of our country. a lot, as the experience of other states show where forces of different political The assistance that was offered in a very More precisely, Moldova will also be ideology make alliances to promote the short time, in the summer-autumn of included in the list of countries eligible for national interests and the interests of 2019, after the Sandu government was assistance from the French Development their citizens. What we really need is to sworn in, is a good example that clearly Agency. This means, for example, prioritize a development agenda for the demonstrates that when there is political infrastructure projects at the national country and not for private pockets. If such will and clear efforts on our part to pursue level for the benefit of citizens. France a desideratum were to guide the political reforms, the doors of the EU are wide also promised to increase the financial elite in parliament today, much could be open for the support we need. resources that would strengthen the achieved, I think, even with the current quality of bilingual classes and the activity composition. The importance of Paris support of the Alliance Française in Moldova. More possible assistance for medium-term Thank you for the interview! How would you characterize Sandu’s projects will be finalized in the coming visit to France? What were the main weeks. Mădălin Necșuțu
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 5 Editorial How Maia Sandu thawed the relations with the neighbours and the West
he Republic of Moldova has been Maia Sandu, a pro-European politician Tisolated on the Europe map for par excellence who has consistently four years from its neighbours and supported the promotion of Western Western partners. The confrontational democratic values. relations promoted by the President Igor Dodon with the West, but also with As she announced during the presidential its neighbours - Ukraine and Romania election campaign, Maia Sandu has reset - made the Republic of Moldova, at the toxic relations with the neighbours. the presidential level, a state rather The first guest in Chisinau was President belonging to the Euro-Asian space. Klaus Iohannis, who had not been in Moldova for five years due to the The “balanced” policy promoted by negative attitude of Igor Dodon towards the former head of state, Igor Dodon, Romania just from the beginning of his has been rather pro-Eastern and term. Although she had met Iohannis in anti-Western. The totally uninspired Bucharest, on several previous occasions, statements, according to some even Maia Sandu received Klaus Iohannis on deliberate, that the Crimean Peninsula Madalin Necsutu, journalist, December 29, 2020, in Chisinau, warmly belongs to Russia and that it has not been contributor to the Balkan Insight and with much openness just in her first illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014, has days of the presidential term. pushed the Republic of Moldova led by Igor Dodon into a shadow cone with regard to the relations Romania has continued to help the Republic of Moldova, as with Kiev. it had previously done, with medical aid worth 3.5 million euros in 2020, promising 200,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine Likewise, Dodon’s statements about the common history from Romania’s stock contracted through the European Union and culture with Romania have determined a real glaciation by the worldwide accepted pharmaceutical representatives. at the presidential level with Bucharest. As for the EU, the Iohannis has also promised 6,000 tons of diesel to help appearance of Dodon in Brussels as a Moscow messenger farmers, after Russia did not live up to its promise. Iohannis rather than a head of his own state, has caused an uproar in has also spoken in Chisinau about 100 million euros in grants the Western chancelleries. and 250,000 euros for the media sector. In response, Maia Sandu has appreciated the sacrifice made by the Romanian Instead, the former president has always done extensive doctors in Chisinau in 2020, who came voluntarily to help. PR exercises during his visits to Moscow. However, this has brought almost no tangible economic benefits for the Republic Visit to Kyiv of Moldova, apart from the partial and temporary lifting of the embargo imposed by Russia since 2013 on the Moldovan The first external visit of Maia Sandu has followed, between products. Not even the price of gas supplied by Gazprom has January 11 and 12, 2021, which brought back in a positive light changed for the Republic of Moldova. Moreover, towards Moldova’s relations with its another important neighbour. The the end of Dodon’s mandate, Moldova was paying one of the Kiev-Chisinau relationship is still below its potential, but Maia highest prices in Europe per thousand cubic meters for the Sandu and her Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, Gazprom gas. are determined to change this paradigm. The two sides have agreed to set up a council in the framework of the two All the above have changed to 180 degrees, we can say, presidencies to meet regularly and discuss the bilateral issues. together with the installation at the helm of the country of
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 6 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates Discussions have also been held about the development of when there is a stable and really reformist government in infrastructure between the two states and about the possibility Chisinau. of travelling with the ID card. “We have received promises that the European institutions in The two leaders have recognized each other’s territorial integrity. cooperation with other international institutions will try to help Maia Sandu has said clearly and unequivocally that the Crimean us in addition to what they have already done for our country. We Peninsula belongs without any nuance only to Ukraine. In turn, have obtained the confirmation that 21.4 million euros for the Zelensky spoke about the territorial integrity of the Republic of police reform will be allocated soon”, specified the head of state. Moldova and the need for the reintegration of the Transnistrian separatist region. After 13 years at the Elysée Palace
Moreover, the two have calmly addressed the issue of Kiev’s The “diplomatic offensive” has not stopped here. It was for the energy plans on the Nistru, which involve the development of the first time in the last 13 years that the of state of the Republic Novodnestrovsk Hydropower Complex infrastructure. of Moldova was invited to the Elysée Palace. Thus, between February 3-4, Maia Sandu was invited for visit by her French So far, Ukraine has not presented to Chisinau any environmental counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. impact assessment on the Dniester River, given that almost 80 per cent of Moldova’s drinking water comes from this river of vital As in the case of the Brussels, not only the visit to one of the most importance not only for Moldova but also for the Odessa region important capitals of Europe mattered, but also the reaction of of Ukraine. Maia Sandu has even spoken of the EU involvement at pride on behalf of the Moldovan citizens. The multitude of positive the level of expertise on this issue. However, it is good that such messages received by Maia Sandu from her compatriots on the projects are put on the table in a transparent and negotiable light. social networks have created the impression of a positive feeling of the citizens in relation to their president who represents them at Good signs from Brussels the highest level in Europe. Perhaps a feeling that has been lacking too much in recent years in relation to the head of state. Maia Sandu has had her visit in Brussels, between January 18- 19, in a unique way and her first meeting was with the Chief In Paris, Macron gave a clear signal that France will Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, Laura unconditionally support the Republic of Moldova as long as Codruta Kovesi. This meeting between the two has not been there is political will in Chisinau to continue the European path the first one and was meant to be a symbolic one, through and to modernize the country. In turn, Maia Sandu has resumed which Maia Sandu veiledly has asked in an express way for the the rhetoric about the fight against corruption to create the help of the European Union in the fight against corruption. conditions for a predictable investment environment. She has Kovesi has become a landmark of the fiercest anti-corruption spoken clearly about the desire for the French investments to fighters not only in Romania, but also at the European level, penetrate as much as possible the Republic of Moldova, and for which is why she occupies this important position in Brussels. France to rise in the top 10 investors in the country.
Maia Sandu has been received in Brussels at the highest level The visit is all the more important given that France is one of the by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Ursula two locomotives of the European Union. Most likely, given Maia Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Josep Sandu’s good relations in Germany, one of her next visits will Borell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union certainly be in Berlin, where the head of state has always had for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the the doors open, having benefited from political and economic European Commission- basically, the triad that ensures the top support. leadership of the European Union. The above meetings have been followed by visits with several sectoral representatives of The “diplomatic offensive” launched by Maia Sandu and the the European Commission. welcome by the most important European capitals has been a concrete signal that the EU is looking towards the Republic of Back from Brussels, Sandu has announced that the EU wants to Moldova with hope. More than that, it is ready for concrete help help Moldova with the engines running at full speed and has to Chisinau. It also depends on the political will of the Moldovan criticized the irresponsibility of those who have before slowed Government and the parliamentary majority and how the dice down this relationship. The head of state said that “the EU will be thrown in the domestic politics of the Republic of Moldova. wants to help us, it wants to support the development of the The ideal scenario for all these goals to be achieved is a pro- Republic of Moldova, but it must have a reliable partner here” European government and parliamentary majority in the near and that Brussels is ready to unlock all the funds available future.
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 7 Ukraine and Moldova are a part of the European family, so nobody can reasonably question their European aspirations Marko Shevchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova
he Ukrainian Ambassador to Tthe Republic of Moldova, Marko Shevchenko, gave us an interview talking about the recent visit paid to Kyiv by the Moldovan President Maia Sandu to her counterpart, Volodymir Zelensky. The main challenges for both Moldova and Ukraine on the European path and the joint future infrastructure projects were the topics at the core of our discussion with His Excellency Marko Shevchenko.
What can you tell us about the bridge over the Dniester River and a quicker Kyiv-Chisinau motoway, and the perspectives of such projects after the recent talks between President Sandu and Zelensky?
Joint infrastructure projects implemented in the two neighbouring countries’ interests are essential elements of any bilateral cooperation. Chisinau is the closest European capital to Kyiv, but these days it takes eight to nine hours to get to it by car. After finishing the project of the Yampil - Koseuts bridge construction and partial road modernisation in the newly appointed President of the Ukraine initiated the issue of Vinnytsa region of Ukraine, it will take only Republic of Moldova Mrs. Maia simplification of the bilateral travel five to six hours to drive from Chisinau Sandu to Ukraine, we have agreed regime with the Republic of Moldova in to Kyiv. It will be the shortest route from to implement that project and 2018. Since 2019 Ukraine and Moldova the Baltics to the Balkans, promoting to speed up the signing of the have been working upon the draft of the trade, economic ties, people-to-people intergovernmental agreement on the new bilateral agreement on the visa-free connections etc. This project would also construction of the Yampil-Koseuts travel for citizens. The negotiations are give a good impetus to the development Bridge across the Dniester River as on an advanced stage, so I hope that of promising tourist routes, including the well as certain following documents. both sides will finalize them really soon. “weekend” tourist routs (for example, Ukrainian and Moldovan wineries, border During the recent meeting in Kyiv, Energy plans castles and fortresses.) there have also been talks about on Dniester River travelling with just the identity card, Therefore, in January, during the without passports. Could you please Could you tell us more about the first official foreign visit of the give us more details about this? Hydro Complex’s project development on
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 8 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates the River and Kyiv’s plans to develop it? choice during the last decade, so nobody of justice, the digital economy, energy, What about the environmental impact? can reasonably question the European transport, etc. aspirations of both countries. That is The ‘Dniester hydropower complex’ is why Ukraine and Moldova’s leaders How was Maia Sandu’s visit to Ukraine comprised of two hydroelectric plants have recently reaffirmed their mutual perceived, and what was the feedback? with Pumped Storage. A buffer reservoir interests in deepening regional between the first two facilities regulates cooperation, implementing the The President of Ukraine was one of the flow of water downstream of the Association Agreements with the EU and the first world leaders to congratulate Dniester River. Besides the electricity consolidating our cooperation within Mrs Maia Sandu on her election as generation and Ukraine’s power system Eastern Partnership to become closer to President of Moldova, inviting her to pay balancing, the Complex seasonally the EU. an official visit to Ukraine. This visit took equalises the water discharge in the place a month ago and has generated Dniester to combat spring floods and I am far from saying that our way to the very positive expectations in Ukraine provide water to Moldova and Odesa European Union is going to be bright, for a rapid and radical improvement in region of Ukraine during the dry season. straight and free of snags. No, Ukraine the cooperation with amiable Moldova. and Moldova have to overcome lots In particular, the heads of state have To promote the Dniester River’s of obstacles and challenges. Drastic had a good occasion to discuss a wide protection and sustainable development, domestic reforms are targeted on range of bilateral cooperation issues in Ukraine and Moldova have signed defeating corruption, and, of course, the political, cultural and educational the Agreement on cooperation in the so-called “Russian factor” in conflict spheres, security and energy industries, this field and have established a settlements, - all these aspects need to trade and transport, and many others. bilateral mechanism - joint Dniester be attentively considered and realised. They have agreed to relaunch the Commission. This body’s main task is to Nevertheless, I have no doubts about our Ukrainian-Moldovan relations and create achieve rational and environmentally safe prosperous accomplishments on this way. appropriate conditions for bringing them usage and protection of water resources to the strategic partnership level. The two of the Dniester River basin. Two meetings Common European path Presidents have also decided to establish of the Commission have already been the Ukrainian-Moldovan Presidential held and. I hope that both sides will be What about Eastern Partnership and Council and realise the new bridge able to resume their activity this year. possible joint projects between Moldova construction project over Dniester River. and Ukraine? In particular, they have to discuss the Could you tell us more about this large-scale analysis of the Complex’s During the meeting of the President of new Ukrainian -Moldavian presidential impact on the ecosystem of the Dniester Ukraine and the President of Moldova council? What are its components and basin that was completed under the on January 12, 2021, the priorities for how is it going to work? Global Ecologic Fund with the involvement the two countries’ cooperation on the of the Moldovan and Ukrainian European integration and the Eastern Ukraine strives to use the window of Environmental experts at the end of 2019. Partnership Summit in 2021 were set out, opportunity, which appeared at the end inter alia. of 2020, giving a new impetus to the Among other conclusions, the experts They have reaffirmed the readiness to Ukrainian-Moldovan relations. have noted the reduction of the maximum coordinate Ukrainian and Moldovan runoff of water from reservoirs in the efforts to strengthen the Eastern A bilateral mechanism for annual spring (flood control) and the increase Partnership initiative. The principle of meetings in the Presidential Council’s of the minimum runoff of water from differentiation and European ambitions format, in our opinion, is very functional reservoirs in the summer (maintenance of of partner countries should be taken into and can be used to discuss strategies the guaranteed volume of water for the account as well. for bilateral relationships and many functioning of river water intakes). international and regional issues of Both Ukraine and Moldova consider mutual interest, as well as to monitor the What are in your opinion the most it necessary to develop further the implementation of agreements reached significant challenges for Moldova and “EU + 3 Associated Partners” format at the highest level. Ukraine on the common European path? of cooperation. The parties call on the EU to deepen the dialogue on the Thank you for this interview Ukraine and Moldova are a part of DCFTA and extend it to other aspects the European family. Our people have of cooperation as well as the gradual Mădălin Necșuțu clearly demonstrated their European sectorial integration, including the areas
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 9 Expert opinion New Window of Opportunity for the Moldovan- Ukrainian Dialogue: Right Time to Act
aia Sandu’s election as the new Moldovan head of state represents a real Mchance to reset Moldova’s relationship with Ukraine. That being clearly reflected in her first step towards ensuring the multi-level interstate interaction functionality, where the central role will be placed on the dialogue between the heads the state. Today the key question is: “Are the states going to take advantage of this opportunity?”
Natalia Stercul, Foreign Policy Association of the Republic of Moldova
The last time visit of the Moldovan the significant drop in the rating of the President to Ukraine was in 2015. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Maia Sandu has filled soon Given the precarious and uncertain this gap paying her first foreign visit to situation in Ukraine, it is challenging to Ukraine that gave a sound impetus to the provide forecasts concerning the further Moldovan-Ukrainian relationship leaving country’s development. However, it is These new expectations and opportunities the paradoxical peculiarities of recent possible to envisage reformative Ukraine’s include resetting pragmatic relations with years, when the communication between power structures in the short term. Ukraine. The issue of mutual support in these two states was limited only to matters of regional security is still highly regular contacts at the government level. In the case of Moldova, the impact of the relevant. Russia remains unwilling to end A full-fledged dialogue at the presidential pandemic has been significant, however, the seven-year Ukrainian war. President level has been restored and a Presidential the new year has started with optimistic V. Zelensky could not find a compromise Council has been formed - a coordination views and high expectations from the for peace and ceasefire. However, in his body at the level of heads of state newly elected President concerning the statement and promises during the election aiming at strengthening the cooperation country’s domestic and foreign political campaign, he was confident he would between the two countries. Intensive landscape. realize them. Ukraine is now creating a political cooperation will certainly bring “Crimean platform” intending to return the mutual benefits of shared collaboration, The symbolic date of the official country’s Crimea and territorial integrity. feasible results in solving the existing inauguration of the Moldovan President Kyiv is planning to invite Russia to discussion bilateral problems, and the opportunity on Christmas Eve has become a baseline on the Crimea de-occupation, in the of timely response to the issues that may for new hope of change in different hope of a civilized approach. Sometimes arise in the interaction between the two sectors such as foreign policy, national miracles happen, but not in this case. It neighbouring states. security, sustainable democratic demonstrates that Zelensky has only a development of the country and limited grasp of the geopolitical objectives Different perspectives and implementation of the European agenda. driving the Russian aggression against challenges No miracle is expected due to the difficult Ukraine. political situation, when President Sandu Nevertheless, these two countries have does not have a parliamentary majority Moldova’s newly elected President stepped into the 2021 year with different and government behind her. However, Maia Sandu has also declared a perspectives and challenges. There is a pro-European candidate’s election is hardline approach towards Russia in the a certain disappointment in Ukraine the beginning of a new political cycle Transnistrian conflict settlement, calling due to the political and socio-economic in Moldova’s democratic change. A on the Russian authorities to withdraw instability, the current pandemic situation, new phase of Moldova’s historical the military troops and armament from the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine, and development has begun. the Transnistrian region. “This is not just
Monthly newsletter, No.1 (179), January 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] JANUARY 2021 10 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates a declaration – this is a necessity, I would by including the border and customs issues of gas transit through Ukraine in the context work with Russia for as long as it takes”, linked to the launch of full-fledged joint of the deteriorating Ukrainian-Russian explains Sandu. control at the ‘Kuchurhan-Pervomaisk’ and relations has been one of the key-issues ‘Giurgiulesti-Reni’ border crossing points. for the pro-Russian Moldovan political Russia’s influence This refers also to the border infrastructure authorities. On several occasions, Ukraine remains strong in Europe development plans and full implementation has voiced readiness to restore the export arrangements based on the Agreement of electricity to Moldova. Cooperation Unfortunately, the aftermath of Moldovan on Joint Control concerning the moving between these two in the energy field presidential election does not fully indicate of persons, vehicles and goods across the depends a lot on the political will to that President Putin’s policy of backing the Ukraine-Moldovan state border. pursue cooperation under the EU umbrella allied regimes in Russia’s historical sphere and following the European norms and of influence (traditionally, Moldova is an Significant changes have taken place in regulations. integral part of this sphere) is failing. Russia the Moldovan-Ukrainian dialogue, which will continue to strengthen its influence on might be the beginning of a new political The search for viable solutions for long- the European territory and will use both its partnership development phase. This would standing bilateral problems remains open. soft and hard power as it does not want to not be possible without the European factor Among the critical and sensitive issues carry out a shift entirely on the East. That that bonds Moldova and Ukraine around is the so-called “package agreements” is why the issue of regional security will the European aspiration, creating prospects that include the completion of the border remain open in the coming years. of building the European security system demarcation process, the recognition of that will counter the national security property rights, and the settlement of However, Moldova and Ukraine must focus threats of both countries and continue the the Dniester River’s hydro-hub operating on strengthening the state resilience at all implementation of the European agenda. conditions. levels creating a common shield against old and new threats. Special attention Economic opportunities and challenges It is time to set and implement ambitious should be paid to hybrid threats. A in the Moldovan-Ukrainian cooperation objectives in different fields of the significant problem is the lack of measures require more attention in the present- Moldovan-Ukrainian cooperation, including and mechanisms to counteract hybrid day surroundings, as the pandemic joint activities in the framework of threats, disinformation, fake news and consequences have reduced the trade the European agenda tasks of the EU’s political propaganda. These destructive volume between the two states. According distribution of funding in the coming elements are obstacles in the democratic to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, five years. Moldova and Ukraine should development and promotion of the the volume of trade in goods in January-July fully use these prerogatives of new European agenda in both countries and 2020 amounted to $390.7 million. Exports opportunities for greater economic and require new result-oriented approaches of goods to Moldova amounted to $352.8 social rapprochement, to strengthen in order to identify effective solutions. million (a decrease by 14.3% compared regional solidarity in maintaining security Joint projects in this field can help to the same period of 2019), imports of and environmental protection. There is the expand bilateral cooperation in fighting goods - $37.9 million (a decrease by 25.5%). need to pay more attention to the national misinformation, support media freedom, Both countries are mutually interested minorities’ problems in Moldova and and develop independent media journalism, in increasing the turnover of the bilateral Ukraine, taking into account the fact that truly media pluralism, and media literacy. trade and implementing joint economic the diaspora activism plays an important projects in various fields in the near future. role in promoting democracy and human Joint border control rights in both countries. All this will open The energy issue is still one of the priorities the way to a new format of cooperation Another critical issue of these two countries on the bilateral agenda. Moldova’s external between states based on a constructive, is the implementation of joint control along energy dependence is a serious struggle actual and pragmatic approach in finding the Moldova-Ukraine border. That means in this regard. Ukraine has been a reliable solutions to existing problems in the enhancing integrated border management partner in this field. However, the problem bilateral dialogue.
The opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) or of the Foreign Policy Association (APE).
Foreign Policy Association (APE) is a non-governmental organization committed to supporting the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union and facilitating the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict in the context of the country Europeanization. APE was established in fall 2003 by a group of well-known experts, public personalities and former senior officials and diplomats, all of them reunited by their commitment to contribute with their expertise and experience to formulating and promoting by the Republic of Moldova of a coherent, credible and efficient foreign policy.
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a German social democratic political foundation, whose purpose is to promote the principles and foundations of democracy, peace, international understanding and cooperation. FES fulfils its mandate in the spirit of social democracy, dedicating itself to the public debate and finding in a transparent manner, social democratic solutions to current and future problemsMonthly newsletter,of the society. No.1 (179), Friedrich-Ebert- January 2021 Stiftung has been active in the Republic of Moldova since October 2002. 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected]