The former President Traian Basescu stated that the Republic of Moldova will not become an EU member in the next 20-30 years or maybe ever, because of the Russian opposition to the EU enlargement in its eastern neighborhood.

"The Republic of Moldova will not ever be an EU member or not in the next 20-30 years. The attempt to expand the European Union in Ukraine and Moldova by the Association Agreement had an immediate reaction from Russia: the annexation of Crimea and occupation of eastern Ukraine", declared the former President Traian Basescu at the PMP summer school for youth held at Neptun", writes News.ro.

The former head of state said that not many Romanian or Moldovan politicians who have the courage to recognize that Russia's opposition can block Moldova's European path.

Traian Basescu appreciated that the Transnistria's accession decree to the Russian Federation is also an adverse reaction to EU enlargement to the East.

"Do not think that what Shevchuk did a few days ago (Yevgeny Shevchuk, leader of the separatist region - Ed.), when he declared Transnistria a part of the Russian Federation, is not also a reaction to Moldova's Association Agreement with the EU. So, Moscow has clearly said «stop» because if the enlargement of EU and NATO does not stop, we risk war in the region", said the president of PMP.

He also added that an eventual union of Moldova with Romania will bring benefits to both sides. 

„It is not a favor that Romania would do for the Republic of Moldova, however, equally, Romania would also win a lot from this union", concluded Basescu.

The leader of the separatist region Transnistria,  Yevgeny Shevchuk signed on Thursday a decree, which implements the results of the unrecognized referendum from September 17th, 2006, when 97 % of the region's residents voted for joining Russia. Nevertheless, the popular consultation was not recognized by any international institution. 

Such a measure would represent the first step of the separatist region to join the Russian Federation. At the same time, the decree signed by the separatist leader also provides for the law adjustment to the Russian one.

Transnistria region proclaimed its "independence" from the Republic of Moldova in the 90s, following a bloody war, which has resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths. However, the separatist region is not recognized by the international community, including Moscow.

Russia deployed troops in the area: we are talking about 1,300 soldiers, 350 of which are part of the peacekeeping troops.

Source: Digi24