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EU Standards Bring Benefits to Moldovan Society, but Challenges Remain

Introduction

The European Union’s (EU) standards are designed to respond to the diverse needs of society, and in Moldova, they have the potential to bring numerous benefits. The EU standards include the collective expertise of participating stakeholders and have facilitated the creation of an internal market for goods, enabling productivity growth, trade, and overall economic growth.

Benefits of Adopting EU Standards

The Moldovan Government acknowledges that European standardization is a crucial opportunity for modernizing and developing the national economy, as well as ensuring proper functioning of the education sector, high consumer safety, and increased innovation and social inclusion. By adopting EU standards, Moldova will gain access to:

  • The EU Single Market for its products and services
  • Innovative solutions
  • Improved product quality
  • Facilitation of technological transfer
  • Cost-decreasing effects

Challenges in Implementing EU Standards

However, the implementation of EU standards in Moldova faces challenges. While the level of transposing and adoption of EU standards is high, their implementation by businesses is low due to a lack of understanding of their importance. Many Moldovan producers are reluctant to abandon traditional GOST standards and instead opt for voluntary European standards.

Support from the European Commission

To support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in implementing EU standards and accessing the EU Single Market, the European Commission provides substantial financial and technical assistance. As a result, the EU has become Moldova’s most important trading partner, with:

  • 63% of Moldovan exports going to the EU
  • Around 50% of imports coming from the EU

Challenges in Industrial and Agro-Food Sectors

Moldova still has work to do in terms of industrial and agro-food sectors. The country inherited a complex system of Soviet norms and standards after gaining independence in 1992. While there have been some updates since then, the system remains largely unchanged.

  • To address this, Moldova has taken steps to transpose EU directives and adopt harmonized European standards.
  • In the construction sector, for example, Moldova has approved technical regulations on construction products and listed related standards. However, the list still contains a significant number of GOST standards, rather than EU harmonized standards.

Conclusion

While there are challenges ahead, the benefits of adopting EU standards in Moldova are clear. With continued support from the European Commission and efforts from the Moldovan Government, SMEs, and civil society, the country can make significant progress in aligning with EU regulations and standards, ultimately benefiting its economy and citizens.

Key Takeaways

  • The implementation of EU standards in Moldova faces challenges due to a lack of understanding of their importance.
  • The European Commission provides financial and technical assistance to support SMEs in implementing EU standards.
  • Moldova has taken steps to transpose EU directives and adopt harmonized European standards, but still needs to work on reducing its reliance on traditional Soviet norms.