Before and After the European Neighbourhood Policy in Moldova: Past Economic Background, Current Developments

Abstract

Ever since its independence in 1991, Moldova has been struggling to change its internationalstatus into a democratic country, with a functional market economy, worthy of being included inthe EU ‘ring of friends’. The country’s economic heritage burdened the pathway to the EUapproximation, whereas its corruption stigma still persists. However, efforts to improve the difficult economic situation revealed the country as a fighterfor autonomy and progress. Moldova has been constantly appointed as one of the EU’s mostobedient apprentices. Its inclusion in the European Neighbourhood Policy (2004) and, later on, inthe Eastern dimension of this policy (the EaP) was reflected by steady growth. Nonetheless, false friends – such as remittances – have engaged Moldova on a road toprovisional success. It is in the hands of the country if reform is to be adjusted to the long termneeds of this tiny, yet strong EU partner.

Keywords

• development
• market economy
• growth
• Moldova
• reform