Discussing the European future of the Republic of Moldova at Innovation Talks, Cahul

Today, the teams of Europe Café and the Institute for European Policies and Reforms visited Cahul, along with dozens of entrepreneurs, IT specialists, teachers, students, and pupils from the south of Moldova, to participate in Innovation Talks.

The event was dedicated to constructive dialogues on the European future of the Republic of Moldova, and the special guest was Iulian Groza, Executive Director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms.

From this discussion we better understood the process of Moldova’s accession to the EU and its benefits, we established new connections and potential collaborations.

“I see a European pathway, and the direction is very clear, compared to two to three years ago. Moldova will be part of the European Union, but we have to work very hard until then. Each of us, whether we are in Chisinau or Cahul, in the public or private sector, has a role to play. In this way, our European path will be much simpler and safer. Cahul is the southern capital of the Republic of Moldova and already benefits from many European programs and funds, and the Inotek centre is a clear example that gathers young people, mayors, activists, and business people. It is an example that such opportunities help us move forward much more safely and quickly towards our goal of joining the European Union”, concluded Iulian Groza, Executive Director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms.

Among the guests of “Innovation Talks” were also Axel Lundell, Deputy Secretary at the Embassy of Sweden, and Raluca Costache, Team Leader of the “Strategic Communication and Media Support Project” of the European Union. The participants in the event discussed the initiation of accession negotiations between the Republic of Moldova and the EU, the advantages of European integration and ensuring effective negotiations.
“From Sweden’s perspective, Moldova belongs to the European family and we will do our best to support it to become a member of the European Union”, said Axel Lundell, Deputy Secretary at the Swedish Embassy.

Another issue addressed during the discussions focused on the role of the regions in the process of accession to the European Union.

“The partnership with Inotek is extremely important, because we see Inotek as a point of information and communication, and even change at regional level regarding the European future of the Republic of Moldova”, said Raluca Costache, Team Leader of the “Strategic Communication and Media Support Project”.

According to the organizers, “Innovation Talks” enabled guests to better understand the process of Moldova’s accession to the EU and its benefits. At the same time, the event was an opportunity for those interested in establishing new connections and potential collaborations.

“The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union would have many benefits for the country, including for the Cahul region. These include access to European markets, promotion of democratic reforms and respect for human rights, support for the modernization of infrastructure and the economy, as well as the development of IT programs and courses”, said Nicolae Mocanu, Inotek Foundation Administrator.

“Innovation Talks” is organized by Inotek Foundation and the project “EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul” in partnership with Europe Cafe, with the support of the European Union and the Embassy of Sweden.