Newsletter on Foreign Policy and European Integration Issues of the Republic of Moldova

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 JUNE 2018 NR.4 (146) Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The newsletter is developed by Sorina Ştefârţă, editor-coordinator TOPICS OF THE EDITION: 1. Ambassador Thomas Buchsbaum, Special Representative for the Eastern Partnership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria:“The EU that protects”, this is our motto for the next half year 2. Igor Munteanu, Executive director, IDIS “Viitorul”. Editorial: Who do the bells of justice in the Republic of Moldova ring out for? 3. Nicu Popescu, senior researcher at the Institute of the European Union for Security Studies:”Corruption is rapidly becoming a major security issue” 4. Opinion of Parties: Security challenges of the country- what they are and how they should be tackled News in Brief On June 22, 2018, the UN General Assembly Security of the Republic of Moldova: approved the draft resolution on “Complete and unconditional withdrawal of foreign military forces from the territory of the Republic of Moldova”. The document, which de facto aims to withdraw the Russian troops from the Transnistrian region, concrete challenges, theoretical solutions? was supported by a majority of 64 votes. 15 states voted against, including Belarus and Armenia, but also Syria, while 83 states abstained. Canada, Sorina Ștefârță Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia, Poland, and the United Kingdom were among the co-authors. Russia has vehemently June 2018 proved to be hot opposed, insisting even on the withdrawal of the resolution from the agenda, but its proposal was for the Republic of Moldova in not backed by the UN member states. In a speech both senses of the word. The at the United Nations, the Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Tudor heat passed into torrential Ulianovschi, said the resolution is centered on the rain that destroyed hundreds Operational Group of Russian Forces which are still stationing illegally on the territory of the Republic of hectares of agricultural of Moldova, not on the peacekeeping mission. crops. As to the political heat, The new Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova it seems not to have still to Washington, Cristina Balan, presented on 23 reached its peak. June the letters of accreditation to the President of the United States, Donald Trump. During the official ceremony at the White House, Cristina Chisinau is again gripped Balan mentioned the importance of the Moldova- US Strategic Dialogue for the relations between the by protests. Chisinau is two states, as well as the US support for regional becoming again a story, stability and security. President Donald Trump welcomed the friendly relations between the one less successful this the elections, called on the in their independence and, Republic of Moldova and the United States, and time. On the contrary, it is citizens in a Facebook live to therefore, in the impartiality reiterated the US willingness to continue to provide our country with assistance in implementing as if it was brought out of vote. of justice. And not just in the reforms aimed at European integration and the Grimm brothers’ grim terms of number of views. settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. The following day, the White House announced about pages ... And we are being The fact that the internet What does the above- the appointment of a new Ambassador to Chisinau. bombed with «worries and can influence our electoral mentioned story have in It’s about Derek J. Hogan, a career diplomat with more than 20 years of experience. Since 2017 he concerns» from the highest option has already become common with the current has been Deputy Executive Secretary of the State level - both in Brussels and an evidence. The fact that the edition of the newsletter? Department, an expert for Eastern Europe. Hogan speaks Russian and Spanish. Washington. And we are Internet can tilt the scales for People’s mistrust that in reminded, as diplomatically entire nations has not been courts- whatever they may be- The EU is examining the increase in export quotas for the Moldovan economic operators, said the as possible, about the fact proven yet by the United justice is done in accordance European Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, that democracy is sacred and States, neither France nor with the law, not with the at a meeting with Tudor Ulianovschi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. In this that the elections are the Britain, although in all these thickness of the wallet of one context, Cecilia Malmstrom stressed the need to ultimate manifestation of countries there is, as the of the parties, or with the align the national trade legislation amendments to the requirements and principles of the world trade this value. This is as a result lawyers say, «a reasonable instructions received from system as laid down by the WTO, thereby reinforcing of the invalidation of the suspicion» in the given sense. the highest party bureaus, is trade liberalization and implementing the best performing food security policies. The officials have mayoral elections in Chisinau. It is true that in Moldova a major insecurity component addressed also the issue of sanitary and phyto- Because of the Facebook-that there is also a «reasonable faced by a state. On these sanitary reform, and the issuance of SPS certificates rd to the economic agents intending to expand their is, because on June 3 , during suspicion», but in our case and other security challenges exports to the EU countries. Mr Tudor Ulianovschi the second round of elections, it refers to the magistrates. faced by the Republic of also advocated for the increase in export quotas on the EU market of certain agricultural products, the candidate of the «Dignity For a simple reason- the total Moldova, we are inviting you namely apples, grapes and various animal products. and Truth» Platform, who won lack of confidence of people to read further. At the end, Cecilia Malmstrom invited the Republic of Moldova to participate in October, in Brussels, Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 4 (146), June 2018 together with Georgia and Ukraine, at the meeting 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 of the Free Trade Area. Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] JUNE 2018 2 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates “The EU that protects”, this is our motto for the next half year Ambassador Thomas Buchsbaum, Special Representative for the Eastern Partnership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria

n the 1st of July Austria will take moods, de-politicisation of issues and Oover the rotating Presidency of institutions as well as lacking financial the European Union for the next half interests or influence can help. year. In the context of preparations for this mandate, HE Thomas Buchsbaum, Last year, as the country holding the Special Representative for the Eastern OSCE chairmanship, Austria contributed Partnership of the Austrian Ministry of to boosting the dialogue between the Foreign Affairs paid a visit to Chisinau two banks of the Nistru. How do you at the end of May. The visit included assess the subsequent developments in meetings and discussions with the the Transnistrian settlement process - representatives of the Government and developments criticized by a large part of Parliament, as well as with the civil the civil society? society, including think tanks. Read the following interview to find out about Late last year we witnessed a real the conclusions of the visit to Chisinau breakthrough in the settlement talks – and say that the Republic of Moldova is now it is time to fully implement what has of the Austrian diplomat and about his making considerable progress on the been agreed as well as to agree on the country’s approach to our region in the Europeanization path, as well as with the administrative details of the remaining near future. political opposition and civil society who items. So far this year we have observed are more sceptical about the depth of a positive and constructive approach as Your Excellency, what was the key reforms. Who was more convincing? regards implementation. Austria supports message you sent to your colleagues in the constructive spirit of the Sides and is the Foreign Ministry in Vienna about the The reform process in Moldova is – as confident that the OSCE is able to maintain processes in the Republic of Moldova? the EaP itself - “a glass neither empty nor and take forward the positive momentum full”. What is important is to build upon created with the result-oriented approach I heard very varied political opinions successes – which certainly are visible in under the Austrian OSCE Chairmanship on foreign policy as well as on the the country, including at the people’s level in 2017 and the German Chairmanship development of democracy and human (e.g. visa-free travel to EU, ERASMUS+, in 2016, which indeed initially was rights. All my interlocutors were of the etc.), to correct failures, and – like during a met with reservations by some civil opinion that there is still way to go on the marathon – to keep the motivation. Here, society organisations in Chisinau. To my path of reforms. The government and the maybe, more should be done to make the understanding the agreements found in parliamentary majority are trying their best EaP’s benefits clear to the people - in order November 2017 were largely welcomed by in implementing political, administrative to uphold and increase the positive views most stakeholders on both sides. and economic reforms. But implementation of the EU. of laws and political vision needs time and continuous hard work – which is especially “We want a democratic and What are the subjects that the above- difficult during a pre-election period and mentioned entities could give up on the stable eastern neighbourhood” when fierce political battles are being “barricades” for the common good and for fought about fundamental directions of the the prosperous future of the country and What are the plans of the Austrian country. its people? government during its EU presidency from July 1st to December 31st 2018 in connection to Moldova and this region? “Today it is important to National consensus is very difficult to strengthen success” be established in any country – and needs honest and careful negotiations between Austria’s focus in its EU presidency – Austria’s already third - is contributing to In Chisinau, you met with the political players as well as within and with the stabilisation of EU’s neighbourhood and government representatives, who civil society. On this way, honesty, calm the fostering of good neighbourly relations

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 4 (146), June 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] JUNE 2018 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 3 - with a democratic, stable, prosperous The EU switched in relation to the EaP After talks with you, President Igor and resilient Eastern neighbourhood partner countries from a group approach to Dodon mentioned “the openness and constituting a key EU objective. Austria put a strategy of diversification, while keeping desire of the Austrian colleagues to offer its presidency under the motto of an ‘EU a common approach: dealing with each Moldova a solid support in promoting the that protects’: A stable and prosperous EaP partner country on its own merits. Whenever concept of strengthening the neutrality region would at the same time constitute a a country was or will be ready to make a step status of our country.” What could exactly protection for the countries and citizens of which is offered by the EaP, this step may this support be? the partner countries as well as of the EU. be taken together. So there is no “package approach” any more, even if the EaP as such Austria – like Moldova – has its neutrality Strengthening and deepening of the EaP has basic provisions and concepts, which it enshrined in its constitution, and neutrality is one of Austria’s presidency priorities does not impose but leaves it up to sovereign – as in Moldova – has a broad support by for the external relations of the EU. While countries to decide to join or not. And – the population. As no situation of a country primarily, this means “implementation, as the EU itself – the EaP is value-based is comparable to another, academics implementation, and implementation” which includes a genuine, inclusive and from Austria could explain the concept from both sides, and making the participatory democracy, rule of law, good of Austria’s neutrality and the historically multilateral structures quickly operational governance, accountable and transparent different stages of its neutrality policy, but and delivering, we will strive for and democratic institutions and mechanisms, as certainly could not tell Moldova how the support, progress in the contractual well as human and – any kind of - minority country could shape its own neutrality. relations under negotiations and for finding rights, and human security. What seems of particular importance to ways to implement the EU’s ‘more-for- me is that Austria’s permanent neutrality more policy’ with respect to the partner “Elections are the main means has no ideological component, consists of countries having Association Agreements not acceding to any military alliance nor in force. Strategic Communication has to of expressing the political allowing foreign troops to be stationed on become an inherent and major element of choice of people” its territory, and is fully compatible with the EaP – both in the partner countries and her EU membership including its active member states. And this, first of all, means During your meetings, you have participation in the EU’s CSDP and its to explain EU and EU action in the partner reiterated Austria’s support for Moldova’s developing PESCO. countries - well beyond the political reform agenda. What is Vienna’s priority? establishments and capitals. The year 2018 is par excellence an The role of an EU Presidency is to be electoral year. What would you suggest to Does the Eastern Partnership still exist? an honest ‘broker’ between EU Member the Moldovan authorities and Moldovan Or, exactly, does it still exist in the original States and at the same time to speed up citizens, so that the inter-party and version? What could and what should and, hopefully, conclude, pending issues. electoral struggle don’t affect the good follow for these countries? Because the Austria’s and the EU’s main priorities for functioning of the democratic institutions, current state of “suspension” seems to reforms in Moldova are fighting against the state institutions and, ultimately, the fatigue both the EU and the EaP... corruption – including the fight against European path of our country? money-laundering, and judicially as well I neither see fatigue nor suspension as financially completely closing the fall- Elections are the primary means within the EaP. On the contrary: The out of the banking fraud -, the reform of expressing the people’s political EaP Summit of Brussels of 24 November of the justice sector and the situation in choice. Transparent, inclusive and last year gave a clear signal of a positive the media sector. And to be clear: It is credible elections are thus of paramount reset. The high-level participation both not Austria nor the EU, but the citizens importance. An election law should be from the partner countries and the EU of Moldova who demand and expect based upon a large consensus of political Member States, the progress of contractual functioning, transparent and delivering actors and civil society – and implement relations, the renewed interest by non- democratic institutions and mechanisms. recommendations of the OSCE ODIHR associated partner countries, the new and the Venice Commission. Election structures and in particular the commonly On a more national note – but of great campaigns including funds should agreed ’20 deliverables for 2020’ showed interest also to other EU Member States strictly follow European rules including a renewed strength and willingness of the -, I wish Moldova a dynamic economic transparent and accountable control. And EaP and its participating states to progress development and a de-iure and de-facto international and – even more important along agreed lines and on very concrete good investment climate which is key – domestic election observers have to be goals and projects. to the economic development. Austrian granted full and unhindered access not companies take an active interest in this only during voting and counting days, but What do you think of the assertion region and the Austrian government also in the run-off to the elections. that, according to the EU “multi-speed” actively encourages this. Economic growth model, neither the Eastern Partnership is a will finally contribute to improve the lives Thank you. homogeneous entity? of people – which, at the same time, is a main goal of the EaP. Sorina Ștefarță

Igor Munteanu, Power, stimulating the desire to participate in the life of Executive director, the “city” of some segments IDIS „Viitorul” that had treated with lots of indifference the political scene on which nothing important was he decision to invalidate happening. We can say that the the results of the Chisinau T illegalities have shaken the bell of Municipal Election (3 June, 2009) justice, which has awakened for and the maintenance of the action a deeply revolted audience first instance court’s decision by that was looking for a pretext. the Court of Appeal is setting On June 22, the Superior Council the citizens of the Republic of of Magistracy (SCM) launched Moldova as well as the foreign an appeal to citizens and the partners of the country ablaze. press, calling for a “reasonable Univocally, justice has lost a very good opportunity to wash away the accusations brought approach”, but it seems that the SCM message misses an against it - that it serves narrow circles of political profiteers, essential element of this situation - the public is demanding and that it doesn’t work in the name of fairness and justice. impartial justice rather than calmness, and restoration of electoral justice rather than the status quo in a matter which Hundreds of citizens have protested against this injustice in the means to the people violation of “red lines”, one of which is the past week, arguing that an abusive decision is stealing one of direct elections of local power. their inalienable rights – to right to elect local representatives - The incident that hasn’t consumed until present has prompted respectively against the arguments put forward by the court harsh reactions from external actors. The reactions, though judges regarded as “puerile and lacking common sense”. The generally benign but firm, have been echoed by the Head of the judges are suspected of playing the game of the Democratic EU Delegation to Chisinau, Peter Michalko, the European External Party that wants to prevent the candidate of the united Action Service (June 20th), the European Parliament opposition, Andrei Nastase, from taking over the executive (June 21st), the European People’s Party (June 20th), the US State control of the capital, and with it - to give a lesson to everybody Department (June 21st). Thus, the main foreign partners have who doubted the “obstinacy” of the Power to stay in power. fixed in their interventions a significant rebound of And in order to achieve its goal, they use the clientelism of a the electoral democracy in the Republic of Moldova and an weak justice ... It is interesting to note that the sense of unprecedented interference in the judicial act. This recoil is illegality is being felt even by the political party that lost the contrary to the European standards that are circumscribed by the elections, which increases the perception of the public about RM-EU Association Agreement and is all the more serious as the the decisions taken by the court regarding the cancellation of leader of the Democratic Party has assumed over the last years perfectly valid elections. the status (confirmed in press conferences) of giving directions to The consequences of this situation are multiple. The public all the powers in the state, from his position perceives the invalidation of elections in the capital as a personal as the main decision-maker of this party. The perception is affront, which rips up the credibility of the system and deepens creating the political realities, which means that everything the rupture between the Power and society. Indignant with the happening between the Opposition and the courts involved unlawfulness of the adopted decisions, several protesters have in the deliberation of this case will have repercussions on the launched blame for power and justice, followed by an impressive macro-financial assistance, but also on how the political process number of citizens (about 30,000 marching) on Sunday, 24 June, is being evaluated by the EU institutions (Commission, Council who continued the peaceful protest against the invalidation and Parliament). Respect of the popular vote is a sine-qua-non of the local elections’ results in Chisinau. The protests suggest condition of any government pretending to be democratic - and a prominent mobilization of the opposition, which is going even more so, of a government engaged in a Political Association to severely penalise these undemocratic deviations of the Agreement with the EU.

I will remind in this context that securing the independence The investigations of the banking fraud are being dragged of justice is one of the clearest and most non-negotiable on despite the rhetoric of Moldovan officials about being conditions imposed by the EU on Moldovan authorities with maximally open and firmly committed to this end. At the same the clear goal of ending political clientelism, mphasize ed by the time, the lack of concrete results in the management of the instrumentation of selective justice for the benefit of oligarchic “Russian laundromat” and “theft of the billion” is fuelling the groups and the rehabilitation of the citizens’ ustr t in the rule of EU reluctance to credit anything in white, which would justify law. This priority of the dialogue between the official Chisinau provision of community benefits. Trust is lost and its restoration and the EU institutions can be found in all- without exception- will take time and probably require a radical change of the political documents adopted in the last years by the two sides. political class in the Republic of Moldova. And the fact that things did not improve significantly in this respect is proved also by the neutral finding that there is no The EU calls on the Moldovan authorities to make progress difference in the articulation of this serious problem in the in ensuring the state’s functionality, including but not limited Moldovan justice in the text of the recommendations of the to removing the judiciary from the political clientelism, anti- European Council from 15 April 2016 and in those of the EU- corruption policies that should not protect the interests of Moldova Council from February 2018. The EU remains deeply those involved in hidden schemes, while streamlining integrity concerned by the lack of independence of the judiciary and policies and stimulating local autonomy. It is counterproductive the prosecutor’s office in our country, which undermines the for the EU to tolerate the exploitation of formal institutions of principles of efficiency, transparency and accountability of dialogue by political actors in the Republic of Moldova, without those who should protect the citizens from abuse, corruption the benefits of the association influencing the lives of ordinary and impunity in society. Neither the latest Report on the people. The European Commission and the European External implementation of the Moldova-EU Association Agreement Action Service (EEAS) aim to monitor in detail the fulfilment of (April 2018) leaves much room for enthusiasm. The technical the conditions and objectives of the political association in strict style adopted to describe the monitored institutions and compliance with Art. 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the indicators is hiding a clear dissatisfaction of the EU, which is European Union. attesting lack of political will and the ambiguities of political actions taken recently by the ruling party (Democratic Party of The increased demand of European officials towards the Moldova). endemic character of corruption and the deficiencies of the political regime in the Republic of Moldova are fixed up in The change in the electoral system in 2017 has totally contrasted the latest Monitoring Report on the implementation of the with the recommendations of the Venice Commission (CoE / EU-Moldova Association Agreement. The document points OSCE-ODIHR), showing a certain desire to change the rules of out to the deficiencies of the implementation, as well as to play for the benefit of those in power and to the detriment some objective limits in the implementation of management of the fundamental norms of the political association with corrections of the reforms conducted with external support. the EU. On 26 February 2018, the European Union’s Foreign So, despite the “conditionality” imposed in the EU-Moldova Ministers unanimously supported that 100 million euros of dialogue following the “cookie and whip” model, it is clear that assistance requested by the Chisinau authorities will only be both signatories of the Association Agreement need new social granted according to the progress achieved by the Republic of energies that would prevent the “downplaying” of the bilateral Moldova, with reference to the above-mentioned conditions: relationship and provide new roles to certain societal actors the rule of law, the multi-party system and the guarantee of (the press, local authorities, civil society), thus generating respect for human rights. Moreover, Federica Mogherini, the more “social resilience”, while the European education could head of European diplomacy, has underlined the existence of create beneficial pressure on the quality of public services, “trends” that strengthened the EU’s concerns about the political and help improve interaction with the police, the judiciary and situation in the Republic of Moldova, including among others the the central government. The EU would like to involve in its politicization of state institutions, media clientelization, systemic dialogue with the Moldovan society not only the government corruption and weak governance, which could complicate the but also a broader range of autonomous actors capable to provision of the required assistance. The reforms are stagnating better understand the diverse interests of the society they and most of the progress indicators in agriculture or education represent and to transform from net beneficiaries in net remain isolated, having a modest impact on the overall situation. contributors to the Europeanization process of the state. Only when this happens, will we find out who the bells of justice in the Republic of Moldova ring out for.

e met one Friday morning in his Moldova’s problem is not the Woffice, which is full of books and package, but the lack of reforms magazines, at the Institute of the European Union for Security Studies in Paris. Nicu and the state capture Popescu has been working there for five years as a senior researcher. As part of his There is a kind of conviction-expectation work, Mr Popescu has produced numerous in our region that, in a critical situation, studies and publications about the post- Europe or the USA will choose in our favour soviet space. Since our meeting took place - they will confront Russia, for instance. How exactly two days after the controversial realistic is this approach? “death” and then “resurrection” of the Russian journalist Arkadi Babchenko, If is to refer to military issues, the only the discussion - which we intended to states the West is obliged to protect are the be about the regional and international NATO members. But even in the famous Article security challenges of the moment – led 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, it is said that us, volens-nolens, in Kiev. in the event of an attack on an allied state, in Ukraine, although there is no dynamic the others should help, but without any legal Mr Popescu, how is Ukraine seen in the reform process, in certain sectors the constraint mechanism. Thus, the decision European states today, after more than four reforms are continuing and are even to send troops to war is always taken at the years since the start of the active armed impressive. One example in this sense is the national level, not by the Alliance. But outside conflict with the Russian Federation? “Naftogaz” company which in the last three the military spectrum, the West realizes a few years has reached a profit of one billion things: that countries like Ukraine, Georgia The intensity of emotions has obviously dollars from a deficit of eight billion. Those or Moldova do not want to be Moscow’s decreased, but the diplomatic dialogue who want to see the “full glass” believe satellites, and that Russia cannot re-impose between Russia and the West remains that you cannot liquidate a nine billion- its dominance over these states. An evidence strictly on a few subjects - Ukraine, Syria, dollar hole just on efficiency gains, and that of that is the last 30 years - a period of the and the sanctions. Neither in mutual visits this money comes from eliminating major Russian politics in the post-Soviet space full - much less, by the way - is any positive corruption schemes. But even so, in Ukraine of failures. Russia had neither the economic, agenda discussed, but Ukraine, Syria, and there is no dynamic of reforms at the level diplomatic nor military capacity to influence sanctions. This a proof that Ukraine is still of the entire public administration. Ukraine or Georgia as it did with Belarus or on the agenda ... However, in parallel with it, Kyrgyzstan. At the same time, at this historical the EU is wondering today: to what extent is How big is the risk that the sanctions stage, the West also has neither the capacity Ukraine progressing in the reform process? imposed on Russia will create a crack in the nor the desire to integrate these countries into Because the EU has gone through several EU? the EU or NATO. And this is how this space disappointments: Saakashvili, Yushchenko, remains in a kind of mutual blockage between the success story of Moldova... Generally, there are already five or six EU the West-East. How should you deal with states that are against these sanctions. In them? You are trying to manage them with Is it not “surrealist” to expect success addition, any country can apply the veto, but minimal losses, waiting for other phases or from a country in a war situation? no one has done so before. This is because even historical opportunities. all these states do not want to enter into a It is true, and yet ... some of the European conflict with other EU members, knowing To what extent are the Western Balkans, political spectrum says that, under these that they are risking to lose in area areas. I which have just received a promising impetus circumstances, Ukraine cannot handle it, believe that today the EU’s sanctions policy for accession, a good signal for us? it is not fighting against corruption, and it towards Russia is quite consolidated. The is on the same trajectory with Yushchenko EU’s position is the following: we have First of all, let’s not forget that the or some pro-European governments in imposed sanctions on Ukraine; we want Western Balkans are geographically within Moldova when many pro-EU statements to lift them, but provided there is some the borders of the Union. However, for the are being made, but in reality it is stealing. progress in Donbass. So far, there has been time being, it is not known how things will Another part of this spectrum thinks that no progress. evolve, because even in these countries the

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 4 (146), June 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] JUNE 2018 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 7 process of European integration is not very The security of a state involves many things. use that scenario, the latter can do a disservice clear. By the way, in Moldova or in Ukraine, For example, defense capability depends on to both Kiev and the Ukrainian services. you can frequently hear that the European an army in which public procurement is done Neighbourhood Policy did not work, because correctly; on the citizens who trust in the army; Even if you are saying that for 30 years Russia the EU did not offer these countries a prospect on the politicians who invest state resources in has failed to re-impose itself in the former of accession. The Balkans show that such a defense, not in their own pockets. Everything, Soviet space, there are dozens of scenarios that perspective -which many countries in this provided corruption is cleared. Because anticipate the opposite. One of them says that region have had for 15 years- doesn’t solve corruption can quickly become - and has become Moscow could act in southern Ukraine ... your internal problems at all. Macedonia has in the case of the Republic of Moldova, but had quite an authoritarian government for also in Ukraine, a major security challenge that This expectation of some people and the almost a decade, which was kicked out as can be exploited by external actors. Corruption fear of others was more pronounced until a result of important street pressure a year is eroding the budget funds that could go to March-April 2014. I believe that in Russia ago. Montenegro has been ruled by the same defend the country. At the same time, corrupt it was hoped that half or at least a third of person for more than 20 years – sometimes politicians can at any time be bought and Eastern and South-Eastern Ukraine would rise president, sometimes prime minister, and influenced from outside. Donbass is a telling against Kiev. But the open military rebel area sometimes a kind of shadow governor of the example in this sense ... In 2014, Russia and the was much smaller, most of the population ruling coalition ... as it is today the case in the local actors who began the military hostilities in in the eastern regions of Ukraine choosing Republic of Moldova. However, in order to the region knew very well how to convince the not to rebel against Kiev. Even Donetsk and truly advance on the path of Euro-integration, special services and the Ukrainian army in the Lugansk did not completely separate, which you need popular support for reforms and an territory, by financial instruments, not to react was an unpleasant surprise for the Russians. accountable political class which would like to the takeover of public institutions, which has Respectively, this theoretical movement of and could do these reforms. If you don’t have eventually led to the war. Russia towards Odessa is not a credible risk as this, you cannot get too far. External factors long as Ukraine remains as stable as possible. can help you, but the effort should be yours. In this context, how was “the Russians can fan the flames a little bit, but for assassination” and then “resurrection” of the fire to be set, a strong boiling process is What are the chances of these countries to the Ukrainian journalist Arkadi Babchenko, needed in Ukraine so that they can feed it. be treated or not as a “package”? interpreted? The journalistic environment had, let’s say, a certain moral discomfort. In our case the boiling process is just I think the Balkans will be a useful lesson How did the political environment react? starting, together with the elections... for us, and namely, they will show us that states are treated differently, depending on We all know the wolf’s story ... That’s In the same context, the question of merit and performance. The picture is obvious: exactly the case. We have already had a concern to me is the following. In France, they Croatia has been an EU member for five years series of assassinations in the West and are discussing about Russia’s involvement already, Serbia is making some progress, the Middle East, but also in Ukraine, where in the last presidential election - the so- Montenegro is negotiating, Albania is queuing either Moscow has been caught on a hair called “MacronLeaks affair”; in the USA, ... That is why, in the case of the Eastern trigger or there is a high probability that it the Muller Investigation is being conducted Partnership that we are part of, we should was involved. Obviously, also in this case, the in order to understand how the Russians not fear that we are in the same package with immediate reaction was that Russia stands have influenced the elections through cyber Georgia and Ukraine - if we do our homework, behind Babcenko’s assassination. Naturally, activities, formation of the public opinion we will go ahead. Just as it was in the case of there has been a wave of diplomatic and through Facebook, tensions between different Croatia – the fact it was in the same package political condemnations. And, naturally, at the communities, etc. And if that is happening in with Macedonia or Albania did not prevent time of his re-emergence - which everyone the United States or France, just imagine what it from joining the EU. The package may be was happy about - many decision-makers in could happen in the Republic of Moldova, broken if you are consistent and persistent. the EU or the USA have found themselves in where a large part of the population is on The problem of the Republic of Moldova is a stupid situation, which didn’t look good at Odnoklassniki! .. And while Facebook is not the package but the lack of reforms, lack all. So what happened in Kiev creates image trying to reduce the number of trolls and of progress in the fight against corruption and credibility problems not only for the false accounts, Odnoklassniki - to which and the state capture, which seems to have journalism, but also for the Ukrainian special the Moldovan electoral space is extremely determined the functioning of Moldovan services. Because in the situation of every exposed - will probably even increase their politics over the last 20 years. possible incident in Ukraine, there is a risk that size. So, what cyber-defense capabilities do a foreign minister or European head of state - we have, including in an electoral period, Security challenges are much or the “Le Monde” newspaper which made the when there is no budget earmarked for these more than military ones “assassination” a headline – will think twice purposes or salaries for good soft developers? whether to come up with a tough reaction As I was saying, the security challenges are How do internal challenges fuel the or wait, so as not to face a “surprise” ... For much more than military ones. country’s security problems? without knowing exactly what the ins and outs are, such a practice doesn’t seem convincing at Thanks for the discussion. all. And even if there were serious reasons to Sorina Ștefârță

Opinion of Parties one supplier makes us vulnerable to any supply disruptions and, certainly, to the risk of political use of energy resources. Even if such things do not actually Security challenges of the happen, this risk cannot be ruled out and solutions have to be found. country- what they are and After all, the still low level of economic development poses a national security problem of another kind. This means how they should be tackled that Moldova is more vulnerable than other countries to possible economic and social crises. As a result, more effort is he “Opinion of Parties” column was launched in the context of the 2018 needed to increase the level of economic Telectoral year and provides the political parties and potential aspirants to the development - and important steps have Moldovan parliament with an additional platform to make public their position on been taken in recent years. various social and political issues of major interest to citizens. This time, we have asked representatives of four parties to tell us about their party’s foreign policy 2. vision. All these three challenges are, after all, part of our historical heritage. But we can say that since independence, we have not 1. Which are in the opinion of the party that you represent the done our utmost to overcome or minimize biggest security challenges for the Republic of Moldova? them, including in terms of associated 2. Are these “innocent” mistakes of the transition years or are they risks. Regarding the Transnistrian issue, knowingly admitted vulnerabilities? you know the nature of the problem and the presence of Russia as a decisive actor, 3. What solutions does your party have for these challenges? coupled with the limited influence of the Republic of Moldova on international level, kept things in an unfavourable state for us. Regardless of the external factors, however, Chisinau can never give up on a territory that belongs to it. At the same time, we cannot accept any regulatory national security is no longer just about Transnistrian dossier, energy solution that is not based on respect for the military dimension. Today there are alternative and economic national sovereignty and independence. several things that pose security risks That is why federalization of the country growth and generate vulnerabilities for our is not an option for the Democratic Party country. However, we believe that three of Moldova. of them require increased attention: the frozen conflict in Transnistria, the energy The economic issue has a more dependence on a single supplier and complicated solution, but, paradoxically, the still low level of development of the it sounds more feasible in the sense that national economy. it depends much more on us than on others. For quite some time, the Republic The Transnistrian issue is, of course, the of Moldova has made the mistake of most serious security issue in the Republic remaining undecided between the EU and of Moldova. The fact that we have a the CIS, which hindered our development. separatist region on whose territory Andrian Buligari, member of the Foreign Some have done so knowingly, others foreign military forces are stationed and Relations Department, PDM have been naïve to believe they are the absence of a constitutional control making the right decision, postponing over that region poses a permanent risk at any decision. It is good, however, that 1. our eastern border. The latter generates now the direction towards the European other problems such as smuggling, money Union is clear. And it is very important We look at security issues in a complex laundering, trafficking in human beings, to build popular consensus to make this way, because in the contemporary world, etc. In turn, energy dependence upon option irreversible. However, the energy

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 4 (146), June 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] JUNE 2018 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 9 issue could be solved a long time ago, The use of justice in political the use of justice in the political struggle by and probably that was the vulnerability struggle is the most serious invalidating the elections won democratically that Chisinau admitted knowingly. by opponents uncomfortable to the regime Theoretically, an energy alternative could challenge is the most serious threat to the stability of have existed ten years ago. the political system. Slipping into dictatorship is no longer a metaphor, but a sad and 3. dangerous reality that puts a damper on the democratic and European aspirations of the Last year, after several years of stagnation country. and even regress, the PDM governance made a major breakthrough in the 2. Transnistrian issue. These concrete progress, however- from schools with The military and economic vulnerabilities teaching in the Latin script on the left are largely the result of our unfortunate bank of the Nistru to the access of Maia Sandu, Chairwoman of the Action and Solidarity Party past. However, the country’s leadership farmers in Dubasari to their own land or of the transition period - where we still the apostille of diplomas- should create 1. find ourselves, by the way - have failed to a favourable context for addressing the strengthen the defense capabilities or to main issue of the Transnistrian conflict, diminish the country’s vulnerabilities in The Republic of Moldova is facing a large namely the reintegration of the country. strategic areas such as the energy sector, the number of challenges in the field of national In the given context, the strengthening information space, the conflict on the left security, including both military, political, of the National Army is very important. bank of the Nistru River, etc. Some of these economic and social issues. The biggest The government is working on increasing mistakes can be attributed to the lack of military threat is the presence of Russian the army operational capacity and experience and resources; but the lack of a troops on the territory of the left bank of professionalism, and this will help clear democratic vision and strong will at the the Nistru. In fact, this frozen conflict is a strengthen the national security when it level of the political class have determined the fundamental threat to the security of the state comes to the military dimension. deepening and increasing of the vulnerability and its citizens. Among other challenges is the of the Republic of Moldova to both external lack of progress in resolving the Transnistrian Regarding the energy alternative, the and internal threats. Consequently, we have conflict, because it perpetuates a status quo PDM government is building it right reached a point today that our country looks that keeps our country in a position of major now through the Ungheni-Chisinau gas more and more like the dictatorial regimes vulnerability. pipeline and there are chances that in Asia and is getting further away from the we will have this alternative in two European aspirations of most citizens. All Another challenge is the excessive years. It will be a great achievement these abuses, which are becoming more dependence on a single supplier of energy for us and we will be able to choose and more precipitous, cannot be regarded resources, whether natural gas (Gazprom) or between gas suppliers and soon we as “innocent” mistakes, because they are electricity (Inter RAO). Both suppliers are the will have also new options in terms of harmful decisions applied by the government property of the Kremlin, so we depend almost electricity. Energy interconnection with and are perfectly congruent with the interests entirely on Russia, while the interconnection the EU has clear benefits - both national of the foreign enemies of the Republic process with Romania and thus with the and economic security. Regarding of Moldova. Inducing the country into European market does not seem to move the economic development, the PDM dictatorship and burning bridges with external fast enough. We know that energy import solution is to follow our path towards the partners can only strengthen the status of a schemes have always been and, unfortunately, European integration, opening up our gray area of ins tability and lawlessness in our are still a source of income for corrupt country further to foreign investment, country for many years ahead. accelerating the implementation of governments who remain indifferent to the the Association Agreement and the vulnerability of the state that they should de Free Trade Area and modernizing our facto defend. 3. legislation according to the European In the context of the Transnistrian conflict, model. The experience of the East However, endemic corruption and the capture in the absence of a governmental strategy, European countries that have joined the of state institutions by obscure interest groups the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) will EU gives us a clear model of economic is probably the biggest threat. Political control come up with its own strategic vision, based and social success, we only have to be over the justice system makes it impossible to on respecting the citizens’ will to live in peace wise and follow their example to get the fight the scourge of high-level corruption. And and well-being in a unitary and indivisible same positive results. Thus we will be at this end of June, we are all witnessing the state. The PAS will focus on respect for human able to reduce the flow of migration and destruction of the last remains of democracy rights and the rule of law in the Republic of even bring home our fellow citizens. and the rule of law in our country. Thus, Moldova, including the Nistru region. We will

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 4 (146), June 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] JUNE 2018 10 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates start from the imperative of democratizing serious situation that our country finds regime, which in 2016 took over total the region, including in the context of the itself in - antidemocratic abuses, increased power. Although they enjoyed the support Association Agreement with the European human rights’ violations, impoverishment of European and international partners, Union, which opens up new perspectives for of the population, falling birth rates, and in the context of a positive international citizens and the business community on both degradation of the economic and social climate, those governments missed the sides. situation, mass exodus – are consequences chance to advance with long-term solutions of these factors that have a significant to strengthen the security of the Republic of The PAS will accelerate the energy impact on the national security. Of particular Moldova. interconnection process with the European importance are the demographic and exodus market on both the gas and electricity. We issues, which as a result of the disastrous 3. will pursue policies of facilitating the use of policies of the government, are threatening renewable energy and the best European the development prospects of the Republic With regard to internal factors affecting our practices in the field of energy conservation of Moldova. The second category of factors security, the priority is to remove the country in public and private institutions. At the is related to the Transnistrian conflict. The from captivity, strengthen the rule of law, and same time, the PAS will ensure the country’s biggest problem is that some circles or strengthen the capacity of the institutions informational security through democratic influential people in the Republic of Moldova responsible for combating corruption, justice and effective means, by resorting to justice. - especially Plahotniuc - are interested in reform and the reform of the regulating Also through justice, we will fight against maintaining on the left bank of the Nistru institutions. Without this, no political high-level endemic corruption, thus reducing an uncontrolled space, a grey area which, and economic initiative can be seriously internal and external vulnerabilities that in the absence of minimum regulations, discussed. And this can only be done after undermine the security and good governance transparency, and some democratic process, the change of government. Regarding the of the country. has become over a period of 25 years a Transnistrian problem, we reiterate our paradise for money laundering, tax evasion position for the peaceful settlement of the However, in order for any of these measures and smuggling. The third category of Transnistrian conflict. However, we do not to be successful, the Moldovan justice should challenges refers to the energy dependence accept the idea of federalizing the Republic of be released from the political control of the of the Republic of Moldova. The big problem Moldova - our vision starts from the premise oligarchy, and with it – to release the state here is that there is too much energy that a viable solution can be identified only from captivity and turn it back to the people. dependence on a single supplier, which is by respecting the sovereignty and territorial the Russian Federation, both for purchasing integrity of the country by granting a broader Between internal and external natural gas and for generating electricity. autonomy to the Transnistrian region. Of course, the right bank could become an factors, the state capture Besides, I would like to mention the attractive model for the Transnistrian region remains the great threat accumulation of more than six billion USD only after the liberation of the state from debt to the Russian Gazprom Concern for the oligarchic captivity and the return of the natural gas, which weakens the positions of country to normality. Therefore, for the time the Republic of Moldova. The fact is that as being, it is essential to promote confidence- a result of the Plahotniuc regime, there has building measures between the two banks been a massive economic crime for a number of the Nistru. And the Moldovan diplomacy of years- more than 20 million dollars from must constantly insist on bringing the electricity bills paid by Moldovan consumers Transnistrian issue on the agenda of the EU, has reached the accounts of some offshore the United States of America, Russia, Ukraine companies. Finally, we cannot ignore the and international institutions. danger of destroying the Nistru River because Andrei Năstase, chairman of the „Dignity and of Ukraine, which has built and is about to Regarding the strengthening of the Truth” Platform build more hydropower plants that could energy independence, we advocate the seriously affect the security and health of the interconnection with the Romanian energy 1. population. system in order to gain access to the EU energy and gas market, and to diversify the The Republic of Moldova is facing several 2. energy sources. Another priority is to identify, categories of challenges that have a direct together with Russian decision makers impact on the national security. The first For the most part, the vulnerabilities listed and with the participation of international category that combines internal factors above were committed knowingly. The mediators, a solution to overcome the debt is manifested by the capture of state bases were laid by the Communists, but the of more than six billion dollars for natural institutions by the gang led by the oligarch greatest responsibility lies with the so-called gas. As regards stimulating alternative Vlad Plahotniuc and by compromising pro-European governments that came to energy production projects and capitalizing the mechanisms of the rule of law. The power in 2009 - especially the Plahotniuc on domestic biomass resources, we believe

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 4 (146), June 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] JUNE 2018 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 11 that this can be done efficiently by attracting gray area of in ternational relations, because interests. For example, the corruption that foreign investment and by implementing in such areas there will never be either almost led us to bankruptcy as a state was state-of-the-art technologies. After all, the security, rule of law or prosperity. They add supported and fueled by all the leadership vital issue of the Nistru: it is important that, to the existence of a separatist entity over of the Republic of Moldova. Lack of state through active diplomatic actions, including the Nistru, supported and defended by the reform of the state or politicizing the by addressing development partners, we take Operational Group of Russian forces- and institutions to the point of being no longer decisive steps to persuade the Ukrainian side this is the biggest challenge to the national functional are done knowingly and under no to abandon the construction of hydropower security. circumstances can they fall into the category plants, because this project is jeopardizing of mistakes. At the same time, we cannot the national security of the Republic of The lack of security guarantees dictated ignore the unfavorable influence of Russia in Moldova. by state neutrality - a neutrality declared the Republic of Moldova, where it acted as in the Constitution, but unrecognized by an agent of dissolution and vulnerability of Rule of law and security anyone and flagrantly violated by the Russian the country. Without Moscow’s interference, guarantees by joining NATO Federation - amplifies the danger created which supported and emphasized the by the Transnistrian region. In addition, the growing vulnerabilities, the Republic of secessionist potential of Gagauzia, fed by Moldova would have surely had another the Russian Federation generates insecurity. trajectory. At the same time, the lack of state reform, endemic corruption, the existence of some 3. institutions characterized with “indulgence” as “semi-functional” represent extremely In PUN’s view, the security issues need to dangerous challenges to the security of the be addressed on two dimensions. On the Republic of Moldova. And that’s because it one hand, the internal vulnerabilities should makes it extremely vulnerable to influences be minimized - making it possible to reform coming from outside, especially from the the state by ensuring the real functioning of Russian Federation. In particular, this type public institutions, by combating corruption, Anatol Șalaru, executive chairman of the of vulnerability favours hybrid-specific increasing the capacity of national structures National Unity Party (PUN) actions ... Not least daring is the lack of to respond to national security and raising social cohesion and the excessive migration, living standards. On the other hand, it is 1. which are challenges that our very existence necessary to identify security guarantees. depends upon. From our point of view, this can be achieved The Republic of Moldova is facing challenges by getting out of neutrality and by joining on all levels: military, political, economic, 2. NATO. In short: the rule of law and security social and environmental. In fact, we are guarantees by joining NATO’s most long- in an area of high instability and insecurity Undoubtedly, the first years of Independence lived and democratic military bloc. Another which, within the state, are amplified by of our country were also marked by mistakes. solution that we propose - and which is most political indecision and geopolitical duplicity. However, I tend to think that most of the viable, given the fact that the prospect of One of the great security challenges is vulnerabilities have been developed on joining the EU and NATO still does not exist - is therefore our stay in the buffer zone, in the purpose in order to protect their own reunification with Romania.

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,

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 4 (146),social June 2018 democratic solutions to current and future problems of the society. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has been active in 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail:the [email protected] Republic of Moldova since October 2002.