In the author’s opinion, the creation of a border on the Dniester would mean the de facto recognition of the 1992 partition line as an international border and, consequently, the recognition of the DMR as a state.
On the issue of Transnistria, the EU operates in a special tense field: it does not recognize the de facto authorities in Tiraspol, but at the same time pragmatically responds to acute crisis situations, for example, by providing assistance to the population in the winter of 2024-2025, which was marked by a sharp reduction in gas supplies from Russia.
“Today, Transnistria also maintains trade relations with the EU. However, how should this issue be resolved in the long term, for example, in the case of Moldova’s accession to the European Union?”, asks the author of the article “Transnistria is a thorn in Moldova’s eye“.
In his opinion, the EU could rely on the case of Cyprus, which has been a member state since 2004 but remains divided.
Thus, the Cypriot example is an important precedent,” the author believes:
- The EU is capable of accepting a state that does not control 100% of its territory;
- the EU can maintain contact with the de facto authorities of a breakaway territory;
- the support of the majority of the population can serve as a benchmark for gradual change.
It should be recalled that the other day Moldova received a visit from the EU. visited Moldova President of Cyprus Nicos Christodoulidis paid a visit to Moldova the other day. At a joint press conference, Maia Sandu said: “We admire Cyprus’ course and believe that Moldovans deserve the same chance for stability, prosperity and peace.”
