The team of the project “CAPACITY4EU – Civil Society for EU Accession” gathered representatives of local authorities, private sector and mayors of villages in the region on 19 September in Stefan Voda district.

The core items on the agenda included the forthcoming referendum, the current status of Moldova’ EU integration, Moldova’s pre-accession to the EU and the stages the country will go through. How to counter disinformation and propaganda and promote true knowledge and understanding about the European Union and its meaning for the Republic of Moldova.

In her introductory remarks, Olga Luchian, President of Stefan Voda district, argued about the importance of EU integration for Moldova and the forthcoming referendum, saying this chance is one in several generations.

In his presentation, Mihai Mogîldea, deputy director spoke about the perception of Moldovans on Moldova’s EU integration and future accession negotiations with the EU, providing a detailed account of people’s perceptions, opinions and fears.

The common opinion that the volume and pitch of these messages is such that Moldova has never seen before and they are promoted incessantly through word of mouth but also on social media, such as Facebook and especially Tik Tok.

Eremei Priseajniuc, public policy expert, provided a strong overview of Moldova’s situation, challenges and opportunities of EU integration, focusing on economic growth, institutional performance, justice system, closeness to the citizens.

Tatiana Nistorica, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Council, made a detailed presentation about the overall framework, challenges and issues related to Moldova’s EU accession negotiations.

Many participating Mayors said Moldova is flooded with propaganda, disinformation and fakes which are designed to veer the country off its EU integration course and return it to the status quo ante, a buffer zone between the East and the West.

The project “CAPACITY4EU – Civil Society for EU Accession” is implemented by the Institut für Europäische Politik, in partnership with the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (IPIS) and the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), with the support of the Federal Foreign Office  of Germany.