Transnistria trade 'pivoting towards EU' despite Russian troop presence
Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, claims there is growing momentum regarding Transdniestria's rapprochement with the European Union.
Recent data, cited by Ms. Gherasimov, indicates a clear pivot in the region’s economic orientation: 80% of goods and services exported from the Russia-backed separatist region on the left bank of the Nistru are directed to European Union (EU) states. This is significantly higher than the 65% proportion for the rest of the Republic of Moldova.
"Economically speaking, the Transnistrian region's integration is already underway," the Deputy Prime Minister stated during a discussion platform in Brussels this week.
A further key indicator is a trend among the region's youth. "More and more young people from the region are choosing to study and work in EU states, and fewer and fewer are opting for educational opportunities in Russia," she noted.
In addition, many residents of the region continue to travel to the right bank for essential services, including employment, medical care, and social allowances provided by the Moldovan authorities in Chișinău.
Ms. Gherasimov added that the new Customs Code is intended to further integrate the region economically within the Republic of Moldova’s economic space.
The official also cited the results of this year's referendum and parliamentary elections, which she said show a desire, albeit modest, within the region for closer ties with the EU.
"Almost every third voter chose European integration," Gherasimov detailed in Brussels, adding that this was achieved "despite the region's democratic limitations and its status under unconstitutional control."
She reiterated that the Moldova reintegration process must be peaceful and serve the interests of all citizens. However, she emphasized one fundamental condition for this objective: the withdrawal of Russian forces from the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
"We hope to achieve peaceful reintegration, for the benefit of all Moldovans, in the coming years, but we must not forget that the basic condition is the withdrawal of the Russian army from our territory," Cristina Gherasimov declared.
Separately, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, also speaking in Brussels, confirmed that the Chișinău authorities are working on a reintegration plan for the region with Western partners.
"We are now discussing a plan for the reintegration of the Transdniestrian region with our European and American partners. For now, I cannot provide details, but such a plan is being actively discussed," the head of the Government stated at the First Forum dedicated to EU Enlargement, organized by the European Commission on November 18.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
