President Nicusor Dan voiced confidence on Tuesday that the Republic of Moldova could join the European Union within three years, following the decisive victory of pro-European forces in the country's recent elections.
Dan told Euronews Romania he was "extremely optimistic" about the accession process, describing a three-year target as "very realistic" and achievable even with Transnistria included under an autonomous status, similar to Gagauzia.
"These elections were essential not only for what follows now, but for what could have happened if pro-Russian forces had won, as the accession process would have stopped, like in Georgia. Considering all that Russia has done, the amounts of money sent to the Republic of Moldova, the logistical efforts - these were clearly not out of regional pride but aimed at influencing the Republic of Moldova's politics and, most importantly in the security context, developments in Transnistria. After this incontestable victory of the pro-European forces, the integration process will continue, and I am extremely optimistic. A three-year timeframe is very realistic," Dan said in an interview with Euronews Romania.
Asked about President Maia Sandu's statement that accession might happen in two stages, with or without Transnistria, Dan argued the Republic of Moldova could join with the breakaway region included, similar to Gagauzia's autonomous status.
"It is a technical matter, which, of course, the authorities in Chisinau know better. I believe the accession can include Transnistria as well, with a status similar to that of Gagauzia, which already enjoys relative autonomy within the Republic of Moldova. The European Union's border would then encompass both of these autonomous regions," said President Dan
Regarding whether the Republic of Moldova's accession could move in tandem with Ukraine, Dan noted the two countries currently share a common negotiation calendar but acknowledged "the difficulty with Hungary, which opposes Ukraine's accession." He added that a potential decoupling is unlikely in the near future, as it "would send a very bad signal to Ukraine."
"For both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the priority is meeting the technical conditions across all future accession chapters, as Romania did 20 years ago. For Moldova, I believe three years is a realistic term," the president said.
On the prospect of delays, Nicusor Dan distinguished between a short tactical postponement, which would have little impact, and an indefinite delay, which "would be a very bad signal, especially given Sunday's vote."
"But that will not happen. With regard to the Republic of Moldova, there is unanimity of will - both at the institutional level and among EU member states," the president underlined.
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