Trilateral Moldova - Romania - Ukraine // Expert: Big question - reconstruction of Ukraine

Chisinau, July 4 /MOLDPRES/-  The development of cooperation relations between Romania, Moldova and Ukraine is a welcome idea, as the three countries share borders and common interests. There is a big question: how it can contribute to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The opinion was expressed by Radu Carp, a university professor in Bucharest.

The expert appreciates Romania's idea of having this trilateral, given that there are cross-border projects between Romania, Ukraine and Moldova. Some of these projects have been finalized, others are ongoing. "There is an interest in developing projects from this perspective, but the big question now is: to what extent will this trilateral be able to boost issues directly related to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, even if the war is ongoing, the idea of helping Ukraine to rebuild its affected areas is being discussed and this is where this trilateral can help in a concrete way," said Radu Carp.

In recent times, cooperation between Moldova, Ukraine and Romania has become closer in this format of communication, he says, explaining the role of each country. "I would say the cooperation is very good, especially recently, due to the fact that Romania is an important member of the EU and is concerned about this Eastern neighborhood, and the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have a common point, namely they want to integrate as quickly as possible into the EU, so from this point of view, Romania can be a very good advocate for both countries," he said.

In terms of the European integration of Moldova and Ukraine, he believes that at some point the two countries will part ways. "Moldova is easier to integrate than Ukraine, which has a very important agricultural sector and is difficult to integrate. The negotiations with Ukraine are much more complex. Negotiations with the Republic of Moldova should be much simpler, but both countries have common goals, for example, the reform of the common agricultural policy, both countries have significant agricultural production. It will be a very difficult road, it is important that these two countries communicate, but inevitably they will be treated differently," the expert said.

Radu Carp welcomes the intention of the Chisinau authorities to prepare Moldova for EU membership by 2030, but carrying out this goal will be influenced by several factors, including the way negotiations will be conducted, internal developments and within the EU.

Foreign ministers from Ukraine and Romania are expected in Chisinau on Friday to attend the third Moldova-Romania-Ukraine Trilateral foreign affairs meeting.

The idea of developing this cooperation was launched in 2022 by Romania, with the first meeting taking place on September 15 in Odessa, and the second - on April 13, 2023 in Bucharest. The trilateral is aimed at cooperation between the three neighboring countries in the context of the Russian invasion against Ukraine and the crises Ukraine and Moldova are facing due to the war.