Moldova and the European Green Deal: Overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and empowering local actors
The European Green Deal (EGD) is Europe’s comprehensive growth plan for a sustainable, resource-efficient future. While it aims to transform the EU, it also presents a transformative opportunity for Moldova, a country aspiring to join the European Union (EU). As Moldova starts the challenging journey to align with EU standards, significant socio-economic changes will be required, and these changes demand a collaborative effort from all sectors of society. Governmental bodies, civil society, and the private sector are each indispensable in driving these changes forward.
Benefits of the European Green Deal
The EGD is a strategic roadmap aimed at fostering sustainable development and improving quality of life by addressing environmental and health challenges. For Moldova, this transition towards a greener economy not only modernizes its infrastructure but also promises long-term benefits. By aligning with the European Green Deal, Moldova is on a path to achieving higher living standards without sacrificing environmental integrity. The EGD focuses on ensuring cleaner air, safer drinking water, advanced public transportation systems, and healthier living conditions - transforming these goals from abstract concepts to concrete realities.
The role of local actors
For these benefits to materialize, it is essential that local actors understand and actively support the initiatives. Without their involvement, efforts may face resistance or fail entirely. Promoting a culture of dialogue, mutual understanding and joint action is key. Building skills and capacities at all levels of government and society is essential for overcoming challenges in reforms and ensuring lasting success. Local actors need to be not just participants but leaders in the green transition for it to work.
Priority sectors and development prospects
The comprehensive scope of the European Green Deal requires integrating its principles across all socio-economic sectors in Moldova, particularly agriculture, energy and infrastructure. These sectors must strive towards climate neutrality, increase resilience, and improve resource efficiency. Specific emphasis should be placed on promoting the circular economy and the principle of "leaving no one and nothing behind."
To meet the EGD goals in Moldova, strategic reforms and significant investments are needed. These efforts should focus on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy, and ensuring the robust national sustainability pathways. This strategy not only aims for economic gains but also compliance with EU environmental standards, boosting Moldova's global competitiveness. At its core, the strategy aims to achieve greater prosperity now without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
The importance of public perception
The success of the EGD not only relies on systemic changes and strategic reforms, but also on public perception and support. Effective communication of the EGD’s goals and benefits plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding and acceptance. This effort involves more than meeting formal compliance with the EU acquis; it’s about delivering tangible improvements in daily life, such as cleaner heating technologies, better air quality, reduced pollution, and increased resilience against climate-induced disasters.
Strategic communication initiatives are vital in triggering both mindset and behavioral changes among the public. Sharing best practices and garnering support from EU member states can serve as a blueprint for success, making the benefits of the EGD clear and relatable to Moldovan citizens.
This opinion piece belongs to Justina Grigaraviciene, a High-Level Adviser on Environment and Green Transition within the EU High-Level Advisers mission to Moldova. It was created as part of the Green Agenda Moldova project, run by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).