Baltic States’ experience on path to EU discussed with local authorities, entrepreneurs in central Moldova town

The Baltic States’ path toward integration into the European Union and the impact of reforms on local development today were discussed in Calarasi, during a meeting with local authorities and representatives of the business community, at an initiative by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.

Igor Grosu said that he had invited the speakers of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to share their countries’ experience regarding the European integration process. The discussions focused on the reform of local public authorities and on how this has contributed to improving public services, developing local communities and improving the quality of life.

The speaker emphasized that, for the Baltic States, European integration had been a complex process that generated concrete results, such as the modernization of infrastructure, higher wages and expanded opportunities for citizens, especially for young people.

During the visit to Calarasi, the officials also went to the Business Incubator, where they spoke with local entrepreneurs about the initiatives they developed, the decision to start businesses at home, and government programmes meant to support entrepreneurship. Igor Grosu also mentioned examples of young families, including those who returned from the Diaspora, who launched educational and production activities for children.

According to the parliament speaker, the sustainable development of Moldova depends on cooperation between central and local authorities, the business community and citizens who choose to contribute to building the country’s future.

President of the Riigikogu of Estonia Lauri Hussar, Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia Daiga Mieriņa and Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Juozas Olekas are paying a visit to Moldova on February 2-4, at the invitation of Parliament Speaker  Igor Grosu.

The officials took part in the opening meeting of the spring session of the Moldovan parliament and delivered speeches in which they expressed their support for the country’s European path. The speakers from the Baltic States also had meetings with the President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov.