Dirk Schuebel: “Visa liberalisation does neither concern long term stays nor employment”
Moldova and the European Union are working closely under the European Neighbourhood Policy which is an instrument of developing relations with the neighbouring countries. The European Commission opened in 2005 its first office of the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova. On November 2009, Dirk Schuebel has been appointed the Head of the Delegation. He is a German diplomat and economist who worked with Hungary and helped it to join the European Union in 2004.
Mr. Schuebel has agreed to give an exclusive interview to Moldova.ORG talking about foreign investments in Moldova, the way the civil society of Moldova can contribute to a better approach to the European Union and how will the future visa-free travel regime work.
Moldova.ORG: What should Moldova do in order to attract foreign investments?
Dirk Schuebel: A prime condition to attract investments is investment security. Investors would like to have reassurance that their investments are protected and that profits can be reinvested and/or transferred without difficulties. Here two issues come into play which support investment security. The first is a well functioning justice system, the second a level playing field.
With regard to the justice system the EU prepares a substantial support programme to the sector. The support will be linked to the implementation of reforms. Moldova has already adopted a justice sector reform strategy and an action plan to this end. The implementation of this action plan which will be a condition for EU assistance will help Moldova to adapt its justice system to international practice. It will encourage investors to come to Moldova if they know that they refer to a fair and reliable justice system in case of need.
The second part, the level playing field is addressed through the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA). The DCFTA is a comprehensive agreement which will align most of Moldovan economic legislation to EU provisions. It will cover such areas as competition, state aid, customs, IPR, technical norms and standards, SPS, services, investments, and financial services. It will also include a dispute settlement mechanism and will make EU law directly applicable in Moldova. This will bring more legal security for Moldovan and international investors and will contribute to strengthen substantially Moldova's economy. Depending on the level of integration it will eventually mean the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the EU internal market.
To conclude, Moldova should continue to engage in a comprehensive justice reform and it should aim to conclude but also implement the DCFTA with the EU. These are already two important steps to attract investors to the country.
Moldova.ORG: How can the civil society contribute in order Moldova to be granted a visa-free travel regime with the EU?
Dirk Schuebel: In line with the methodology of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, the speed of movement towards visa liberalisation will depend on progress made by the Republic of Moldova in fulfilling the conditions set. The complete fulfilment of the benchmarks will be closely examined and verified by the Commission and the Council. One of the benchmarks is the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. The draft law has caused controversial discussions within society.
There seems to be some confusion about the aim and scope of the bill. It stipulates that those individuals who are in similar situations should receive similar treatment and not be treated less favourably simply because of a particular characteristic they posses. It is not about the promotion of lifestyles or same sex marriages. Civil society organisations could help explain what anti-discrimination legislation is about in order to increase its acceptance. In that regard I welcome the efforts of the anti-discrimination coalition composed of civil society organisations.
Moldova.ORG: Will the Moldovans have the possibility to freely and legally work in the EU if the agreement will be signed?
Dirk Schuebel: Visa liberalisation concerns short-term entry visas into the Schengen Area. Once the visa requirement has been abolished, Moldovan citizens will be able to enter, and travel freely within the EU Member States who are members of the Schengen area for a period of three months. Visa liberalisation does neither concern long term stays nor employment. The situation for Moldovan citizens who would like to stay longer within the Schengen area will therefore not change: they will have to obtain a national long-stay visa or a residence permit as it is currently the case. Legal employment will continue to depend on the applicable national rules, for example regarding working permits. However, together with the Moldovan Government we are working hard to facilitate mobility for Moldovan citizens including legal employment and circular migration within the framework of the Mobility Partnership which bundles projects implemented by 15 EU Member States and two agencies (FRONTEX and the European Training Foundation).
Moldova.ORG: What will be the advantages of the EU to implement the visa-free travel regime?
Dirk Schuebel: Visa free travel means increased people to people contacts which are beneficial to all.
By Valeriu Gonta, Moldova.ORG
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