Strengthening EU-Moldova cooperation : challenges and perspectives in the Transnistrian settlement process

Abstract

This paper focuses on the importance of the negotiation process for the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict and the potential for Moldova’s EU membership as the main policy options in preventing an escalation of the conflict and in preserving peace and security in Europe. It provides an overview of the current condition of the existing negotiating formats and their capacity to address the issues hindering the interaction of Chisinau and Tiraspol in the negotiation process. It also explores the possibilities of resetting and adapting certain formats in the light of Moldova's progress in the process of integration into the European Union, in order to focus more on peace and security issues that threaten regional stability. The text highlights the areas where Moldova needs more EU support and expertise to bring the Transnistrian region back into the state’s legal framework, thereby creating favourable conditions for conflict resolution and subsequently for Moldova's reintegration and EU integration processes.