Implementation of the provisions of Moldova-EU Association Agreement under the existing territorial-administrative delimitation: a (im)possible mission?

Abstract

By signing and ratifying the Association Agreement, Republic of Moldova reconfirmed its willingness to adjust itself to European values and standards of living. The implementation of the Agreement provisions requires extensive work to reform all spheres of life and areas of activity. These changes depend heavily on the ability of central and local public authorities to realize and carry out the imminent reforms. Thus, for a successful implementation of reforms, itis necessary to reform the administrative system itself that will put into practice the achivements of the provisions of the Association Agreement. An important role in the well functioning of public authorities has the territorial organization of public power. A clear division of powers within the framework of the public power decentralization is one of the factors that contributes to the harmonious development of society. An effective decentralization will foster regional development and contribute to strengthening local territorial communities, and this fact will allow the provision of quality services locally. The aim of this study is to elucidate the problems regarding the territorial organization of public power in terms of implementing the Association Agreement. Does the application of the Agreement provisions require the territorial and administrative delimitation reform of Moldova, or is it likely to make reforms in the administrative-territorial division of Soviet origin revived by the 2003 anti-reform? The author have studied the provisions of Moldova-EU Association Agreement and documents related to it, the experience of some European countries regarding the territorial delimitation of public powers and political parties’ visions on the territorial administrative division of Moldova to answer this question.