Publisher: IDIS VIITORUL Institutul pentru Dezoltare si Initiative Sociale

“Wine” Warfare at the Doorstep - Nothing New, just Business for Russia

Author(s): Dan Amonte / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2010

In vino veritas, the old saying goes, but not complacent for Russia! The famous aphorism ‘In Vino Veritas’ is clearly not for Ghenadie Onischenko, Russian Chief Sanitary Inspector, whose precious indications about wine quality gained an inglorious reputation last years. The Agency is all known for its harsh protectionist policies, applied to the states that are tied up on Russian market with their low-cost wines, vegetables or milk. Earlier, the above-mentioned agency has ‘saved’ Russian consu¬mers from the ‘peril’ of Belarusian milk (June 2009), and then in January 2010, it also rescued Russians from the US ‘chicken and pork meat’, which was considered potentially maleficent for the population, but politically acceptable af¬ter a new ‘package deal’ on US-Russia trade agreements.

Achievements and Cooperation Opportunities between the UN and the Republic of Moldova

Author(s): Veaceslav Berbeca / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2013

The Republic of Moldova participation in the UN is a corner¬stone of the foreign policy of the state. Due to its unique inter¬national character, the United Nations serves as a platform of activity in a wide range of areas, being a forum for debate of global issues. The implications of participation in the UN has an important role for Chisinau because it offers the op¬portunity to reinforce the image and prestige of the Republic of Moldova on the international arena, such as participation in UN peacekeeping operations, promote national interests by our country missions accredited to the UN or by the presence in elective bodies of the United Nations. At the same time, it is worthwhile mentioning the importance of the assistance provided by UN Agencies to solve development issues facing our country. The United Nations Agencies and programs activity aims to support actions promoting democratic reforms, human development and social inclusion or to support central and local authorities of sustainable environmental management.

Are the Moldovans who hold Romanian Passports a Devastating Threat for EU?

Author(s): Leonid Litră / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2010

Moldova’s relations with the EU have advanced significantly over the past years. At the same time, in the European public space there are appearing many controversial discussions, some of them denigrating Republic of Moldova. These insinuations are mainly related to the acquisition of the Romanian citizenship and migration of Moldovans to EU. Even if Romania is not a special case in dealing with citizenship issues, the media attacks towards Romania and Moldova increased in the last months, being mostly observed in the European press. Their aim might be to slow down the rapprochement of Moldova to EU that seems to be a campaign orchestrated by some states, other than the EU states.

Black Sea Region – Continuity or geopolitical Change

Author(s): Corneliu Ciurea / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2010

The geopolitical situation in the Black Sea Region is in a continuous state of flux. This region was rediscovered at the beginning of the XXI century when some euroatlantic practitionners started to think about it as an ideal place for the transit of oil and gas from the Cas¬pian Sea, a fertile land for the expansion of the frontiers of freedom and a good bridgehead for the containment of Russia. This region took different forms in the past, being alternatively a Soviet Union „salt-lake” counteracted by Turkey and a proving ground for the erec¬ting of the frontiers of freedom. Today, we could notice a reformating of this region by reordering it according to the principles of inter-block rivalry. In these conditions, Moldova is compelled to renew its policy of balancing among different geopolitical blocks with yet unclear contours, this taking place exactly in the moment when the geopolitical rivalries are being reignited and the Black Sea region is losing its statute of an „uninteresting” and a putatively tamed re¬gion, becoming more and more a battlefield with an unpredictable outcome.

Border Security in the Context of Future Visa Free Regime

Author(s): Iurie Gotişan / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2013

This policy brief is elaborated based on the Action Plan on visa liberalization with the EU, further in the text APVL, particularly the part referring to border management. Thus, this analysis attempts to highlight the Republic of Moldova position compared to other states (Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, etc.) that are currently in the process of negotiations with the EC on the liberalization of the visa regime but also to some countries aspiring to such a process. This study has rather a more quantitative aspect and tries to carry out a broader assessment of the potential migration and security effects of the liberalization of visas for Moldovan citizens traveling to the EU.This analysis indicates that Moldova is not an important route for illegal migrants to reach one of the EU countries. Moreover, if we look at the border segment with Romania then the number of illegal migrants apprehended overall, (also covered in FRONTEX Agency reports) amounts to just several dozens, including Moldovan citizens. In addition, this analysis highlights the number of people with Moldovan citizenship that aimed to reach the EU illegally in breach of the border “green” sector, which is also the lowest in the top of nations.As a rule, the flows or the number of illegal migrants through the BCP (border crossing points) are the best identified or represented by refusals of entry. Thus, in terms of the indicator of refusal of entry into the EU, in a top of nations, Moldovans do not appear at all. Moldovan citizens appear in the FRONTEX statistics only in 2009 on the 9th position and only on land border segment and in the FRONTEX analysis reports, the Republic of Moldova is mentioned only incidentally. At the same time, during the years 2009-2011, most refusals of entry at common borders were issued by the Polish border authorities, mainly on the border with Ukraine and Belarus. Moreover, over 50% of all refusals at common borders were issued to the Ukrainian citizens, followed by nationals of other neighboring countries such as the Russian Federation and Belarus.

Community of Democracies – Geopolitics of Democracy Institutionalization

Author(s): Ion Tăbârţă / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2011

On July 1, 2011, at the Ministerial Conference of Community of Democracies, held in Vilnius, Republic of Moldova and Tunisia were the core elements of the meeting. The two countries have been mentioned in speeches of all participants, being selected to benefit from the new U.S.-Polish initiative – Partnership of Democracies. This new initiative is intended as a mechanism to support democratic processes and institutional transfer of democracy in societies in transition and democratic consolidation.

Comparative Analysis of Electricity Prices in the RM and in the Region (Romania, Ukraine)

Author(s): Corina Gaibu / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2014

Energy sector is a strategic field for Republic of Moldova Geopolitical situation in the region, the tension between Ukraine and Russia, impose the acceleration of establishing interconnections with Romania, thus ensuring energy security of Republic of Moldova The contract on electrical energy supply to the RM was negotiated and signed in March. The negotiated price has a major impact on country’s economy and directly affects the whole society. Setting the electricity prices excessively high causes extra pressure on the population’s welfare and the monthly bills people pay; while, high dependency on electricity imports from Ukraine and a single generating facility in Transnistria (Steam Electric Power Station ”Moldoveneasca” owned by RAO UES of the Russian Federation) create an energy security vulnerability. Diversifying electrical energy sources through building a connection with Romania allow attaining an acceptable energy security level.

Corporate Governance in the Banks in the Republic of Moldova under the Impact of the Basel Committee Regulations

Author(s): Angela Secrieru / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2013

Following the financial crisis started in 2007, in developed countries and at the level of international institutions, consistent efforts are being made to improve corporate governance in banks. Corporate governance (CG) in banks involves the allocation of authority and responsibility, i.e. the way the bank activities and operations are governed by its board and management. The recent adverse events in the banking sector in the Republic of Moldova regarding attempts to change the shareholding structure of banks including hostile takeovers may be partly explained by imperfect mechanisms of CG of the banks in the Republic of Moldova. In this context, is required the development of a consistent concept by the NBM regarding corporate governance in the banks in the Republic of Moldova aligned to BCBS recommendations and bringing banking regulations in compliance with this concept.

Does Moldova have a Role to play in the Regional Context ?

Author(s): Corneliu Ciurea / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2011

Moldova’s foreign policy is often seen as an ongoing effort of European integration. Such an approach is rather illusory because it neglects a number of actions that are not necessarily complied with the objectives of signing an association agreement with the EU - the Moldovan diplomacy on Transnistrian component, development of bilateral relations with Romania, frequent visits of Moldovan politicians to Moscow in the style of a vassal convened by the senior, etc. Under these circumstances, we may wonder whether the imperative of Moldova’s European integration is only an instrumental objective designed to solve, in a certain political context, the issue of Moldova’s state vulnerability, suspended fatidic between East and West or a conscious assumption of a role that cancels “banal” existence of the Republic of Moldova as a small and insignificant state.

Does Moldova need Low-Cost Airlines?

Author(s): Leonid Litră / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2011

The old-new government was invested, and a continuation of its pro-European demarche was announced. The Governing Program declares EU integration as the main priority and the continuation of reforms is envisaged, especially in the previously committed areas. As in the previous Program, the government is keen to liberalize the aviation market and to join the European Common Aviation Area.

Does the Republic of Moldova need Military Planes and Helicopters to ensure State Border Guard in the Air?

Author(s): Veaceslav Berbeca / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2012

Ensuring airspace control and management is a component part of the state security policy. Achieving this goal implies a legal framework that would regulate state actions against aircraft using in an unauthorized way the airspace of the Republic of Moldova. However, we must emphasize that the protection of the state border in the air is impossible without appropriate technical equipment of the Air Force. Creating a mechanism of action against unauthorized use of the Republic of Moldova airspace by aircraft is subject to a legislative initiative elaborated by the Ministry of Defense. Even if the members of parliament share the idea of this project, however, there are doubts whether this initiative is appropriate because of higher financial costs related to its implementation. There are, also, fears that the adoption of measures under this initiative would affect the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.

Economic Cooperation with the EU – A Prerequisite for Development of the Republic of Moldova

Author(s): Alexandru Fală / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2011

The European Union is an important economic partner of Moldova. Economic relations between these two entities have had a good evolution. Only in 2009, under the impact of world economic crisis, intensity of economic flows between Moldova and the EU has decreased. On a medium-term, economic relations between the EU and Moldova would pass a new qualitative level, as a result of negotiating Free Trade Thorough Comprehensive Agreement. To be eligible for associated effects of signing the Agreement, Moldova will have to undertake a difficult mission - employment in a genuine process of economic reform.

Economic Statewatch

Frequency: 4 issues / Country: Moldova, Republic of

The IDIS Viitorul has been founded in June 1993, in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. It is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization, and it is not linked to any political party. The IDIS’s mission is to contribute to the growth of independent thinking environment in Moldova and in other emerging democracies; to contribute to the strengthening of the local and regional governments; to assist the expansion of the civil society in which the citizens act together to express their own interests, to exchange information and to strive for mutual goals and influence government. Consistent with this mission, the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) ‘Viitorul’ is forging several linkages between the academic and policy-making environments, generating policy analysis and recommendations for various areas of public interest, creating and disseminating of the best practices, good governance, and economic analysis. The Center for Economic Policy (CEP), running regular economic analysis and forecast, taxation and tax awareness of citizens, poverty reduction and other social policies. Since 2004, the CEP has initiated the publication of the Economic Statewatch (Quarterly Economic Predictor), but has published several other position papers and policy briefs in informal economy, economic policy and investments, which are disseminated among policy makers and opinion leaders. The CEP is consistently gaining a wide recognition among its target beneficiaries: private and corporate organizations, foreign donor-organizations, think tank community, banks and private sector, political parties, etc. Since recently, it has been redesigned to monitor the PRSP implementation, and cooperate with SIDA and UNPD. It has gained recently a membership in EPIN, and will strive to increase its policy impact on the public authorities and business community. Our Donors: ---------------------------------------------- In the last years, IDIS has received financial support and encouragement from a number of leading international institutions, including: • Eurasia Foundation (USA) • National Endowment for Democracy (USA) • Westminster Foundation for Democracy (UK) • Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MATRA • Local Government and Public Services Initiative, affiliated to the OSI • SPAI/Stability Pact • SOROS Foundation • UNDP/UNOPS • EU TACIS Programme Contacts: ---------------------------------------------- Dr. Igor Munteanu, Executive Director Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) ‘Viitorul’ Chisinau, 10/1, Iacob Hincu Str., 2009 MD, Republic of Moldova Tel/fax: (+ 373/22) 21 09 32; 21.36.32; 22.71.30 E-mail: idis_viitorul@mdl.net Web: www.moldova.org

Economic Statistics AUGUST 2006. Monthly Selection of Key Socio-Economic Indicators for Moldova

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2006

Economic Statistics AUGUST 2007. Monthly Selection of Key Socio-Economic Indicators for Moldova

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2007

Economic Statistics JULY 2006. Monthly Selection of Key Socio-Economic Indicators for Moldova

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2006

Economic Statistics July 2007. Monthly Selection of Key Socio-Economic Indicators for Moldova

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2007

Economic Statistics JUNE 2006. Monthly Selection of Key Socio-Economic Indicators for Moldova

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2006

Economic Statistics NOVEMBER 2006. Monthly Selection of Key Socio-Economic Indicators for Moldova

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2006

Economic Statistics OCTOBER 2006. Monthly Selection of Key Socio-Economic Indicators for Moldova

Author(s): Specified No Author / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2006