Deputy PM says ten states which joined European Union in 2004 proved EU represents better future for Moldovan citizens

Twenty one years since the largest wave of European Union (EU) enlargement, known as the Big Bang enlargement, when ten countries joined the EU: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Cyprus, and Malta, are marked on 1 May. These ten states have proved that EU represents a better future for the citizens of Moldova. Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov has made statements to this effect.

Over two decades, the 2004 enlargement has contributed to the enhancement of the living standards in the new member states and facilitated the economic modernization of these countries.

“All ten states that joined EU in 2004 have experienced economic growth, a higher standard of living for their citizens, much more diverse and consolidated economic opportunities. We have learned in these 21 years that the EU is not only a space of peace, but also of prosperity. For Moldova, for Ukraine, joining the EU means a better life for our citizens, better opportunities for our youth and the chance to return home to family, to loved ones,” said Gherasimov.

According to a study by the Polish Economic Institute, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita at purchasing power parity (PPP) in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia (Central Europe) increased by 27 per cent more than it would have in a scenario if these countries had not joined the EU and developed independently.

At the same time, there have been significant increases in indicators concerning the  quality of life, education, per capita income, as well as the standard of living. All these are due to the benefits produced by the absorption of European funds and access to the EU Single Market, which allowed the creation of new business opportunities, substantial capital flows towards the new member states, and facilitated their integration into global supply chains. According to the same source, the influx of foreign direct investments grew cumulatively by 21 times.

Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union on January 1, 2007, and Croatia - in 2013, also benefiting from access to the Single Market, technical and financial assistance for implementing structural reforms.

Moldova got the state of country candidate for EU accession in 2022 and, in December 2023, the European Council ruled to start accession negotiations with Moldova.

In March, EU allocated 1.9 billion lei for Moldova's economic growth plan. This is the largest support package ever provided to the country. With EU financial help, Moldova will develop its economy and move closer to the EU, by accelerating reforms. The EU will also help Moldova face the challenges arising from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and Russia's ongoing attempts to destabilize the country.