Young Moldovans and diaspora contribute to EU integration
Dozens of young people from both within Moldova and the diaspora, eager to commence their careers in public institutions and contribute to Moldova’s European integration, have spent two months working alongside officials from central public institutions, guided by senior EU advisors.
The second edition of the Paid Public Service Internship Program, supported by the Government and the European Union, concludes on Friday. Beneficiaries of the program are eligible for employment in the public sector without having to go through a competitive process. Teleradio-Moldova spoke with two of the beneficiaries, who are both studying abroad but plan to return to Moldova.
Olivia Plămădeală left Moldova two years ago, initially moving to Romania and subsequently to Austria, where she is studying economics. Her decision to continue her studies abroad was somewhat natural, given that her entire family is part of the diaspora. Her mother resides in Israel, her father in Poland, her brother in Romania, and her sister in Austria. Although few ties remain between her and Moldova, Olivia maintains that her roots are still there. She intends to return permanently to Moldova upon completing her studies.
"Unfortunately, I don't have family or connections here; I have no one to return to. However, I have also lived in Bucharest, and although the language and culture make it somewhat familiar, it still feels different. Austria is also different in its own way. In Moldova, I feel the most free and safe. Here, I feel at home. It is precisely for this environment, which I have grown accustomed to, that I would return—because of the atmosphere and the people. You cannot find such people anywhere else but in Moldova."
Laura Vanesa Cojocaru, who has spent 12 years in Italy studying international sciences, has decided to return to Moldova, albeit temporarily. She is currently interning at the European Integration Office within the State Chancellery. Vanesa expresses her desire to contribute to building Europe at home, observe the internal workings of EU negotiations, and follow the entire EU accession process. She acknowledges the possibility of returning home permanently one day.
"At present, I feel a strong desire to return home because the European integration process is critically important for us, our citizens, and the future of this country. It would be an honour to participate in this process, to contribute my knowledge and work, and, hopefully, to support the country’s efforts."
Vanesa believes in a European future for Moldova, which she describes as currently facing numerous challenges but addressing them head-on.
"In 5 to 10 years, I hope to see Moldova integrated as part of the European family. I wish to contribute to realising this dream because integration represents a better, more prosperous future. It means our citizens will no longer be compelled to leave the country, that they can raise their children here, and that our grandparents can watch their grandchildren grow up at home."
This year's edition of the Paid Public Service Internship Program focused on Moldova’s EU integration process and the stages of the accession negotiations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
