On the 19th of February, CENS hosted H.E. Iurie Leancă, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. The minister talked about the opportunities and challenges of Moldova with regards to the European Union and the Eastern Partnership program.

The event started of with a short welcome by the Rector and President of CEU, John Shattuck, who introduced the speaker and the general political situation in Moldova, where recent elections have put a western-orientated coalition government into power.

Foreign Minister Leancă started his speech with some personal recollections of his studies about Hungary and his time spent in Budapest in the 1980’s, while also recognizing the resonance of the European idea in Hungary which he named as an example to be followed.

Turning to the Eastern Partnership initiative, the speaker was willing to admit that it has some weaknesses in the eyes of Moldova, particularly the lack of a visa free travel regime. At the same time he reiterated Moldova’s commitment to this initiative, and that the country aims to utilize all its potential especially with regards to the Association and Free Trade agreements. Indeed, Moldova will attempt to be a role-model for the successes of the Partnership, without forgetting, however, the final aim of membership.

Later in his speech minister Leancă was frank in recounting the difficult political situation in his country, the constitutional crisis, the Transnistrian conflict and the economic hardships faced by the population, and argued that it would be the clear perspective of eventually joining the European Union that could form the basis for successful and lasting reforms.

In his concluding remarks the minister pointed out that the “struggle between the past and the future is not yet over”, and warned European leaders to not stop the process of enlargement at a new border.

In response to insightful questions from the audience, H. E. Leancă also explored the relationship of Moldova with its neighbors to the east, arguing strongly that the new government sees both the Ukraine and Russia as important partners. He also stated explicitly that Moldova will not leave the CIS until its commitments in that organization do not undermine its relations with the European Union.

Following the talk, the Moldovan Embassy sponsored a small reception where participants could taste excellent wine and champagne from Moldova.

See further reports of the event at:

Euractive