Dionis Cenusa | College of Europe (original) (raw)

Papers by Dionis Cenusa

Istanbul Kültür University / Küresel Siyasal Eğilimler Merkezi / Global Political Trends Center, 2013

The addition of alloy elements such as silicon, chromium and molybdenum is effective in the restr... more The addition of alloy elements such as silicon, chromium and molybdenum is effective in the restraint of temper softening in martensitic steels. The martensitic steel containing such alloy elements is known to have excellent resistance to temper softening in low and high temperature tempering treatments. However, the effects of the compound addition and its mechanism have not yet been satisfactorily revealed. In this study, the effect silicon, chromium, and molybdenum on resistance to the temper softening of the medium-carbon martensitic steel was investigated. As a result, it is revealed that the temper softening resistance quantity is maximum at the tempering temperature 773 K in the martensitic steel containing silicon, chromium, and molybdenum; this is because of the miniaturization of cementite and clustering of Cr,Mo,Mn 2C. Moreover, it is revealed to form this cluster at a tempering temperature lower than the temperature at which the alloy carbide usually precipitates 823 K-873 K .

The newly elected President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, makes his first visit Brussels on February 7t... more The newly elected President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, makes his first visit Brussels on February 7th, following his first visit to Moscow in January, where he announced his wish to repeal his country’s Association Agreement with the EU and to join the Eurasian Economic Union instead. While this cannot happen until and unless the parliamentary elections in 2018 return a parliamentary majority supporting his Socialist party, his statement has already inflicted damage by creating strategic uncertainty over Moldova’s European orientation. Dodon’s argument seems to ignore the huge restructuring of Moldovan trade towards Europe and away from Russia that has taken place over the last decade. To try to set the clock back would be a disastrous move – effectively committing economic suicide for Moldova.

Human Rights Documents Online

While the West continues to support efforts to democra- tize the countries of the Eastern Partner... more While the West continues to support efforts to democra- tize the countries of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), shift- ing international trends threaten to slow the momentum. Increasing confrontation among Western leaders—evi- denced, inter alia, by the outbreak of protectionist trade policies and Donald Trump’s dissociation from G7 positions at the June 2018 summit in Quebec—can have unintended consequences across the EaP region, which needs Western harmony if it is to align with Euro-Atlantic visions of common values and security. Indeed, because most EaP countries are still in the midst of a liberal transition, they remain particularly vulnerable to Kremlin influence. Any extended fragmentation of the liberal order in the West could deceler- ate the democratization process, as it becomes harder for the West to serve as a role model for emerging democracies. Uncertainties about the future of the EaP are exacerbated by disar- ray within the European Union, fueled by Brexit; the growing political legitimacy of Euroskeptic populists in both newer and older member states; and the lack of a harmonious strategy between the European Union (EU) and the United States. For instance, the EU operates with transformational tools such as the Association Agreements in three of the six EaP countries (Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia), while the United States has developed advanced systems of strategic dialogue only with Georgia and Ukraine.

The concept of “revolution” is missing from the vocabulary of political and civic forces involved... more The concept of “revolution” is missing from the vocabulary of political and civic forces involved in the post-election protests in Belarus. Abstaining from the term “revolution” denotes, on one hand, the caution of protecting the peaceful essence of the protests, and, on the other hand, the intention in differentiating the Belarusian situation from other political transformations in the Eastern Partnership, in particular, those related to the Ukrainian “Euromaidan”. The Belarusian protesters want to chart their own path, which will ensure not only the democratization of the country but also the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are aware of the risk of Russian offensives under a geopolitical pretext, with the indispensable negative implications, which may inevitably occur if the
Belarusian protests are branded as a “velvet revolution”.

The capacity of the Moldovan, Ukrainian and Georgian political classes to overcome the governance... more The capacity of the Moldovan, Ukrainian and Georgian political classes to overcome the governance vices is at distinct electoral and civic testing stages. The renewal of the electoral cycle remains a technical exercise with particular democratic indicators, but not everywhere and not fully embodying participatory characteristics. There is yet no critical self-assessment inside the major political protagonists, while the requirements of the voting public oscillate between existential constraints, such as vulnerability to corruption and intimidation, and the hyper-optimistic expectations from any new(er) political player.

The results of the parliamentary elections (February, 2019) held in Moldova kept intact the neces... more The results of the parliamentary elections (February, 2019) held in Moldova kept intact the necessity of forming a coalition between the intra-parliamentary parties so that the country could be governed. The impossibility of obtaining a majority by the Socialists, preservation of the political weight of the Democrats and eruption of the unified extraparliamentary opposition generated a difficult, but predictable situation.

The low interest in underlining the role of the European agenda, both from electoral contestants ... more The low interest in underlining the role of the European agenda, both from electoral contestants and from Brussels, strengthens volens nolens messages from the supporters of the Eurasian Union and Russia ... Dionis Cenuşa The main political actors in the Moldovan parliamentary elections of 24 February 2019 show a selective, visibly timid and/or incoherent approach to electoral debates around the country's external orientation. The reluctance to geopolitical discourse is observed in political parties associated either positively or negatively with the EU, even if recent polls show that the population has a predisposition toward European integration. The low involvement of the European topic in the electoral campaign differs from the electoral behavior of the pro-European parties in the 2014 legislative elections. In contrast, the pro-Russian forces use geopolitics more intensely to stimulate voters. Major political parties invoking a particular affiliation with the European integration process can be divided into two categories. The first group includes the governing party (the Democratic Party). The latter has decided to refer, but in a minimalist style, to the partnership with the EU that is concomitantly strongly overshadowed by socioeconomic issues.

In over a month from the parliamentary elections of February 24, the composition of the new Parli... more In over a month from the parliamentary elections of February 24, the composition of the new Parliament pushed the country towards snap elections rather than towards negotiations on the formation of a government coalition. The fears of potential discrediting and the elementary distrust between the political forces constituted the major sources of the political stalemate that can result in snap legislative elections.

A Moldova still struggles to overcome the various handicaps in its energy sector. The de-politici... more A Moldova still struggles to overcome the various handicaps in its energy sector. The de-politicization of the regulatory agency, diversification of supply, and Russia's monopolistic position, combine to maintain serious distortions in the energy sector and develop new ones. Fully-fledged, top-down liberalization of the energy market remains elusive, hurting the competitiveness of industry and conditions for the final consumer.

Five years ago, the European Union introduced Moldova into the list of countries that benefit fro... more Five years ago, the European Union introduced Moldova into the list of countries that benefit from the visa-free regime that for now produced more positive than negative effects. In 2014-2019, more than 2 million Moldovans crossed the borders of the EU about 6.2 million times. (MFA.GOV.md, April 26, 2019). The visa liberalization allowed reducing travel costs and optimizing travel time. More exactly, the Moldovans could save about €70 million, which would have been spent on Schengen visas issued under the facilitated visa regime (€35 per person) that was place between 2007-2014. The legal stay of Moldovans was extended to cover all the holders of biometric passports (90 days during six months). The unintended consequences of the visa liberalization included yet the encouragement of a series of negative practices, such as the non-observance of the period of stay, unjustified applications for asylum or integration of crime into the circuit of facilitated travel to the EU. The increasing proportions of these irregularities started to bother the EU.

Political changes in Moldova send extremely positive echoes abroad. The change of the law on pros... more Political changes in Moldova send extremely positive echoes abroad. The
change of the law on prosecutors’ office, the corrections to the electoral code to return to the proportional system, and the impetus to the investigation of “the theft of the billion”, etc., generate very high expectations toward the new government. These expectations do not correlate with the real capacity and willingness of all institutions to translate into practice the political will of the new government. The latter struggles to put first the fight against the, already ousted, oligarchic regime, but also to bring the state affairs and assets in order, starting with the urgent balancing of the public budget.

With an already annual frequency, May month discharges the tensions accumulated by Moldovan socie... more With an already annual frequency, May month discharges the tensions accumulated by Moldovan society as a result of domestic geopolitical confrontations that are normative and historical in character. In practical terms, the cultivation of such European values as tolerance and openness is effervescently, though predictably, challenged by entities fond of a paternalist-religious amalgam of (post)Soviet values. The apogee of the
confrontation of geopolitical symbols intensifies in the period between Europe Day and the day when it is celebrated tolerance of the LGBT community. On the one hand, the political forces lack both comfortable
legitimacy and sufficient political courage to initiate a national dialogue to reconcile to sets of values situated at a distance from each other. On the other hand, the size of political forces that accept the hybrid form of interpretation of the historical geopolitical symbolism related to the glorification of the Soviet role in stopping World War II increases.

The dynamics of the interest expressed by the European Union (EU) in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia... more The dynamics of the interest expressed by the European Union (EU) in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia through the Association Agreements influence the behavior of the Russian factor. The multi-dimensionality of the European integration, conditioned powerfully by internal political motivations, enabled to remodel the foreign interdependence maintained by the three countries. However, the greater concentration on the relationship with the EU didn’t annul at all Russia’s presence, but rather stimulated its transformation.

The implementation of reforms stimulated by the rapprochement of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia wit... more The implementation of reforms stimulated by the rapprochement of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia with the EU implies identical objectives, such as economic integration with the European market and political association, including in foreign policy matters. The undertaking of the model of functioning of the economy, institutions and states in general, according to European best practices, ideally should end with the improvement of living conditions for citizens. These expectations are yet far from the daily reality. The reduction of these discrepancies can be achieved through the Association Agreements of the three countries with the EU. These represent the most ambitious transformation engines from which these countries benefitted during the last 28 years of statehood.

he Constitutional Court validated the mandates of the 101 new MPs (9 March, 2019), and the attent... more he Constitutional Court validated the mandates of the 101 new MPs (9 March, 2019), and the attention turns toward the formation of a viable coalition. The Democratic Party was the first to rush into negotiations on a future governing coalition. Led by the controversial oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, the party seeks to build a common platform with the Bloc
ACUM which presents itself as the truly democratic party.

The vote of 24 February 2019 puts the country in front of a crossroads whose character seems unfa... more The vote of 24 February 2019 puts the country in front of a crossroads whose character seems unfavorable. The main post-electoral scenarios are pessimistic because they indicate either the perpetuation of oligarchic governance headed by the Democratic Party, or the transfer of the epicenter of power to the Socialists. In any of these situations, the conditions of the opposition could at least be normalized. Faced with its now marginalized position, the political forces forming the electoral bloc "NOW" will be integrated into the process of influencing political decisions in the aftermath of elections. They will be able to oversee the governance from within of the formal institutions and make a qualitative leap in exercising pressure on governance, compared to street protests whose impact has been uncertain and often temporary.

Preconditions appear in Europe for an extended “Magnitsky Act” that would envision a mechanism fo... more Preconditions appear in Europe for an extended “Magnitsky Act” that would envision a mechanism for sanctioning non-European officials accused of violating human rights in the states whose judicial systems are politically controllable and, respectively, produce impunity. Initiated originally based on the cause of Sergei Magnitsky, Russian lawyer and whistleblower who died nine years ago in preventive detention in Russia (November 2009), the Magnitsky Act became a document with legal effects in the U.S. in December 2012 and was extended to other cases of flagrant violation of human rights generated by the Russian authorities, in particular those from the Chechen region.

Moldova is an important part of the intricate regional situation in the Black Sea region. Redefin... more Moldova is an important part of the intricate regional situation in the Black Sea region. Redefining Russia’s role by the states of the region, created the prerequisites for bringing together the positions of Ukraine and Moldova on a whole range of issues, also it led to the resetting of Ukrainian-Romanian relations. Regional transformation was the basis that united the tripartite platform of cooperation - Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Romania. The parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, which will take place in 2019, will largely determine new challenges and opportunities for this format of cooperation.

The Moldovan legislature completed its mandate at the end of November 2018, over two months befor... more The Moldovan legislature completed its mandate at the end of November 2018, over two months before the new parliamentary elections set for February 2019. The last legislative body’s mandate during approximately two years was fully dominated by the Democratic Party of Moldova (DPM). At domestic level, the political power of the DPM was due to its capacities to disassemble and weaken its ex-partners (LDPM, LP) and its political opponents (PCRM), primarily by corruption acts. The latter says that between €200,000 to €500,000 per MP was allocated for forming the parliamentary majority of 57 MPs with whom the Democrats governed during two years. Besides the drastic revision of the composition of the legislative body, the DPM also extended its presence in the state institutions, local public administration and the public sector.

Istanbul Kültür University / Küresel Siyasal Eğilimler Merkezi / Global Political Trends Center, 2013

The addition of alloy elements such as silicon, chromium and molybdenum is effective in the restr... more The addition of alloy elements such as silicon, chromium and molybdenum is effective in the restraint of temper softening in martensitic steels. The martensitic steel containing such alloy elements is known to have excellent resistance to temper softening in low and high temperature tempering treatments. However, the effects of the compound addition and its mechanism have not yet been satisfactorily revealed. In this study, the effect silicon, chromium, and molybdenum on resistance to the temper softening of the medium-carbon martensitic steel was investigated. As a result, it is revealed that the temper softening resistance quantity is maximum at the tempering temperature 773 K in the martensitic steel containing silicon, chromium, and molybdenum; this is because of the miniaturization of cementite and clustering of Cr,Mo,Mn 2C. Moreover, it is revealed to form this cluster at a tempering temperature lower than the temperature at which the alloy carbide usually precipitates 823 K-873 K .

The newly elected President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, makes his first visit Brussels on February 7t... more The newly elected President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, makes his first visit Brussels on February 7th, following his first visit to Moscow in January, where he announced his wish to repeal his country’s Association Agreement with the EU and to join the Eurasian Economic Union instead. While this cannot happen until and unless the parliamentary elections in 2018 return a parliamentary majority supporting his Socialist party, his statement has already inflicted damage by creating strategic uncertainty over Moldova’s European orientation. Dodon’s argument seems to ignore the huge restructuring of Moldovan trade towards Europe and away from Russia that has taken place over the last decade. To try to set the clock back would be a disastrous move – effectively committing economic suicide for Moldova.

Human Rights Documents Online

While the West continues to support efforts to democra- tize the countries of the Eastern Partner... more While the West continues to support efforts to democra- tize the countries of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), shift- ing international trends threaten to slow the momentum. Increasing confrontation among Western leaders—evi- denced, inter alia, by the outbreak of protectionist trade policies and Donald Trump’s dissociation from G7 positions at the June 2018 summit in Quebec—can have unintended consequences across the EaP region, which needs Western harmony if it is to align with Euro-Atlantic visions of common values and security. Indeed, because most EaP countries are still in the midst of a liberal transition, they remain particularly vulnerable to Kremlin influence. Any extended fragmentation of the liberal order in the West could deceler- ate the democratization process, as it becomes harder for the West to serve as a role model for emerging democracies. Uncertainties about the future of the EaP are exacerbated by disar- ray within the European Union, fueled by Brexit; the growing political legitimacy of Euroskeptic populists in both newer and older member states; and the lack of a harmonious strategy between the European Union (EU) and the United States. For instance, the EU operates with transformational tools such as the Association Agreements in three of the six EaP countries (Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia), while the United States has developed advanced systems of strategic dialogue only with Georgia and Ukraine.

The concept of “revolution” is missing from the vocabulary of political and civic forces involved... more The concept of “revolution” is missing from the vocabulary of political and civic forces involved in the post-election protests in Belarus. Abstaining from the term “revolution” denotes, on one hand, the caution of protecting the peaceful essence of the protests, and, on the other hand, the intention in differentiating the Belarusian situation from other political transformations in the Eastern Partnership, in particular, those related to the Ukrainian “Euromaidan”. The Belarusian protesters want to chart their own path, which will ensure not only the democratization of the country but also the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are aware of the risk of Russian offensives under a geopolitical pretext, with the indispensable negative implications, which may inevitably occur if the
Belarusian protests are branded as a “velvet revolution”.

The capacity of the Moldovan, Ukrainian and Georgian political classes to overcome the governance... more The capacity of the Moldovan, Ukrainian and Georgian political classes to overcome the governance vices is at distinct electoral and civic testing stages. The renewal of the electoral cycle remains a technical exercise with particular democratic indicators, but not everywhere and not fully embodying participatory characteristics. There is yet no critical self-assessment inside the major political protagonists, while the requirements of the voting public oscillate between existential constraints, such as vulnerability to corruption and intimidation, and the hyper-optimistic expectations from any new(er) political player.

The results of the parliamentary elections (February, 2019) held in Moldova kept intact the neces... more The results of the parliamentary elections (February, 2019) held in Moldova kept intact the necessity of forming a coalition between the intra-parliamentary parties so that the country could be governed. The impossibility of obtaining a majority by the Socialists, preservation of the political weight of the Democrats and eruption of the unified extraparliamentary opposition generated a difficult, but predictable situation.

The low interest in underlining the role of the European agenda, both from electoral contestants ... more The low interest in underlining the role of the European agenda, both from electoral contestants and from Brussels, strengthens volens nolens messages from the supporters of the Eurasian Union and Russia ... Dionis Cenuşa The main political actors in the Moldovan parliamentary elections of 24 February 2019 show a selective, visibly timid and/or incoherent approach to electoral debates around the country's external orientation. The reluctance to geopolitical discourse is observed in political parties associated either positively or negatively with the EU, even if recent polls show that the population has a predisposition toward European integration. The low involvement of the European topic in the electoral campaign differs from the electoral behavior of the pro-European parties in the 2014 legislative elections. In contrast, the pro-Russian forces use geopolitics more intensely to stimulate voters. Major political parties invoking a particular affiliation with the European integration process can be divided into two categories. The first group includes the governing party (the Democratic Party). The latter has decided to refer, but in a minimalist style, to the partnership with the EU that is concomitantly strongly overshadowed by socioeconomic issues.

In over a month from the parliamentary elections of February 24, the composition of the new Parli... more In over a month from the parliamentary elections of February 24, the composition of the new Parliament pushed the country towards snap elections rather than towards negotiations on the formation of a government coalition. The fears of potential discrediting and the elementary distrust between the political forces constituted the major sources of the political stalemate that can result in snap legislative elections.

A Moldova still struggles to overcome the various handicaps in its energy sector. The de-politici... more A Moldova still struggles to overcome the various handicaps in its energy sector. The de-politicization of the regulatory agency, diversification of supply, and Russia's monopolistic position, combine to maintain serious distortions in the energy sector and develop new ones. Fully-fledged, top-down liberalization of the energy market remains elusive, hurting the competitiveness of industry and conditions for the final consumer.

Five years ago, the European Union introduced Moldova into the list of countries that benefit fro... more Five years ago, the European Union introduced Moldova into the list of countries that benefit from the visa-free regime that for now produced more positive than negative effects. In 2014-2019, more than 2 million Moldovans crossed the borders of the EU about 6.2 million times. (MFA.GOV.md, April 26, 2019). The visa liberalization allowed reducing travel costs and optimizing travel time. More exactly, the Moldovans could save about €70 million, which would have been spent on Schengen visas issued under the facilitated visa regime (€35 per person) that was place between 2007-2014. The legal stay of Moldovans was extended to cover all the holders of biometric passports (90 days during six months). The unintended consequences of the visa liberalization included yet the encouragement of a series of negative practices, such as the non-observance of the period of stay, unjustified applications for asylum or integration of crime into the circuit of facilitated travel to the EU. The increasing proportions of these irregularities started to bother the EU.

Political changes in Moldova send extremely positive echoes abroad. The change of the law on pros... more Political changes in Moldova send extremely positive echoes abroad. The
change of the law on prosecutors’ office, the corrections to the electoral code to return to the proportional system, and the impetus to the investigation of “the theft of the billion”, etc., generate very high expectations toward the new government. These expectations do not correlate with the real capacity and willingness of all institutions to translate into practice the political will of the new government. The latter struggles to put first the fight against the, already ousted, oligarchic regime, but also to bring the state affairs and assets in order, starting with the urgent balancing of the public budget.

With an already annual frequency, May month discharges the tensions accumulated by Moldovan socie... more With an already annual frequency, May month discharges the tensions accumulated by Moldovan society as a result of domestic geopolitical confrontations that are normative and historical in character. In practical terms, the cultivation of such European values as tolerance and openness is effervescently, though predictably, challenged by entities fond of a paternalist-religious amalgam of (post)Soviet values. The apogee of the
confrontation of geopolitical symbols intensifies in the period between Europe Day and the day when it is celebrated tolerance of the LGBT community. On the one hand, the political forces lack both comfortable
legitimacy and sufficient political courage to initiate a national dialogue to reconcile to sets of values situated at a distance from each other. On the other hand, the size of political forces that accept the hybrid form of interpretation of the historical geopolitical symbolism related to the glorification of the Soviet role in stopping World War II increases.

The dynamics of the interest expressed by the European Union (EU) in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia... more The dynamics of the interest expressed by the European Union (EU) in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia through the Association Agreements influence the behavior of the Russian factor. The multi-dimensionality of the European integration, conditioned powerfully by internal political motivations, enabled to remodel the foreign interdependence maintained by the three countries. However, the greater concentration on the relationship with the EU didn’t annul at all Russia’s presence, but rather stimulated its transformation.

The implementation of reforms stimulated by the rapprochement of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia wit... more The implementation of reforms stimulated by the rapprochement of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia with the EU implies identical objectives, such as economic integration with the European market and political association, including in foreign policy matters. The undertaking of the model of functioning of the economy, institutions and states in general, according to European best practices, ideally should end with the improvement of living conditions for citizens. These expectations are yet far from the daily reality. The reduction of these discrepancies can be achieved through the Association Agreements of the three countries with the EU. These represent the most ambitious transformation engines from which these countries benefitted during the last 28 years of statehood.

he Constitutional Court validated the mandates of the 101 new MPs (9 March, 2019), and the attent... more he Constitutional Court validated the mandates of the 101 new MPs (9 March, 2019), and the attention turns toward the formation of a viable coalition. The Democratic Party was the first to rush into negotiations on a future governing coalition. Led by the controversial oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, the party seeks to build a common platform with the Bloc
ACUM which presents itself as the truly democratic party.

The vote of 24 February 2019 puts the country in front of a crossroads whose character seems unfa... more The vote of 24 February 2019 puts the country in front of a crossroads whose character seems unfavorable. The main post-electoral scenarios are pessimistic because they indicate either the perpetuation of oligarchic governance headed by the Democratic Party, or the transfer of the epicenter of power to the Socialists. In any of these situations, the conditions of the opposition could at least be normalized. Faced with its now marginalized position, the political forces forming the electoral bloc "NOW" will be integrated into the process of influencing political decisions in the aftermath of elections. They will be able to oversee the governance from within of the formal institutions and make a qualitative leap in exercising pressure on governance, compared to street protests whose impact has been uncertain and often temporary.

Preconditions appear in Europe for an extended “Magnitsky Act” that would envision a mechanism fo... more Preconditions appear in Europe for an extended “Magnitsky Act” that would envision a mechanism for sanctioning non-European officials accused of violating human rights in the states whose judicial systems are politically controllable and, respectively, produce impunity. Initiated originally based on the cause of Sergei Magnitsky, Russian lawyer and whistleblower who died nine years ago in preventive detention in Russia (November 2009), the Magnitsky Act became a document with legal effects in the U.S. in December 2012 and was extended to other cases of flagrant violation of human rights generated by the Russian authorities, in particular those from the Chechen region.

Moldova is an important part of the intricate regional situation in the Black Sea region. Redefin... more Moldova is an important part of the intricate regional situation in the Black Sea region. Redefining Russia’s role by the states of the region, created the prerequisites for bringing together the positions of Ukraine and Moldova on a whole range of issues, also it led to the resetting of Ukrainian-Romanian relations. Regional transformation was the basis that united the tripartite platform of cooperation - Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Romania. The parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, which will take place in 2019, will largely determine new challenges and opportunities for this format of cooperation.

The Moldovan legislature completed its mandate at the end of November 2018, over two months befor... more The Moldovan legislature completed its mandate at the end of November 2018, over two months before the new parliamentary elections set for February 2019. The last legislative body’s mandate during approximately two years was fully dominated by the Democratic Party of Moldova (DPM). At domestic level, the political power of the DPM was due to its capacities to disassemble and weaken its ex-partners (LDPM, LP) and its political opponents (PCRM), primarily by corruption acts. The latter says that between €200,000 to €500,000 per MP was allocated for forming the parliamentary majority of 57 MPs with whom the Democrats governed during two years. Besides the drastic revision of the composition of the legislative body, the DPM also extended its presence in the state institutions, local public administration and the public sector.

The main political actors in the Moldovan parliamentary elections of 24 February 2019 show a sele... more The main political actors in the Moldovan parliamentary elections of 24 February 2019 show a selective, visibly timid and/or incoherent approach to electoral debates around the country's external orientation. The reluctance to geopolitical discourse is observed in political parties associated either positively or negatively with the EU, even if recent polls show that the population has a predisposition toward European integration. The low involvement of the European topic in the electoral campaign differs from the electoral behavior of the pro-European parties in the 2014 legislative elections. In contrast, the pro-Russian forces use geopolitics more intensely to stimulate voters. Major political parties invoking a particular affiliation with the European integration process can be divided into two categories. The first group includes the governing party (the Democratic Party). The latter has decided to refer, but in a minimalist style, to the partnership with the EU that is concomitantly strongly overshadowed by socioeconomic issues.

An interview with Lina Griu for Foreign Policy Association, based in Chisinau. In this interview ... more An interview with Lina Griu for Foreign Policy Association, based in Chisinau. In this interview I stressed that the situation created around the Republic of Moldova is very sensitive for the EU, which has to take not only technical decision, but also political ones- to provide the financial assistance to Chisinau or to postpone it.