The discussion was dedicated to two crucial issues for the future EU integration of Moldova: Firstly, the collaboration between civil society organisations and the government in the upcoming EU accession negotiations. Secondly, the plans to hold a constitutional referendum on Moldova’s EU membership on the same day as the first round of the presidential elections on 20 October 2024.
The dialogue emphasized the need to establish a secure environment for civil society organisations. Their participation the EU accession negotiations was highlighted as essential for fostering trust and deepening citizens' understanding of necessary reforms.
The first panel delved into the role of civil society in Moldova's EU accession negotiations, emphasising their accumulated experience in various areas. While civil society's partnership with the government was commended, ensuring its permanence regardless of changes of government was deemed imperative. However, the loyalty of civil society to EU integration was acknowledged to carry risks, such as being less critical of state institutions involved in the process.
The second panel focused on the referendum on Moldova's future accession to the European Union, which will take place simultaneously with the first round of the presidential election on 20 October 2024. The dialogue highlighted the challenges and debates within Moldovan society. The involvement of a pro-European civil society in advocating for a 'yes' vote, as well as the mobilisation of voters to achieve the needed quorum, is crucial. If successful, the referendum would incorporate EU accession as a strategic goal into Moldova's constitution.
Participants in the dialogue included I.E. Margret Uebber, German Ambassador to Moldova, and Moldovan officials like Deputy Prime Minister for European integration Cristina Gherasimov, alongside representatives from civil society.
The fifth NEXT4EU policy dialogue on April 12, 2024 in Chisinau was the last policy dialogue within the NEXTEU project.
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