Union projects: common educational space between Romania and the Republic of Moldova

Prime Minister-designate Eugen Tomac argues that the relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova must enter a new stage, based on ambitious joint projects in the fields of education, mass media and sports. In an interview with RFI, he stated that the two states must overcome the current logic of limited cooperation and build integration mechanisms that will concretely bring citizens from both banks of the Prut closer together.

• Common media space to combat propaganda

One of the priorities announced by Eugen Tomac aims to create a common communication space between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. According to statements made to RFI Romania, the prime minister-designate wants an agreement that would allow free access for Romanian television and radio stations to the media market in the Republic of Moldova, as well as for Moldovan media institutions in Romania. In his opinion, such a measure would contribute to strengthening the resilience of the Republic of Moldova in the face of disinformation and propaganda campaigns originating from the Russian Federation, a phenomenon repeatedly reported by both the authorities in Chisinau and the European institutions. Another proposal launched by Eugen Tomac refers to the rapprochement of the education systems of the two countries. He believes that Romania and the Republic of Moldova should develop an integrated educational system, with similar programs and standards, so that pupils and students benefit from common training opportunities. "I would very much like to build solid bridges for future generations and have an integrated education system, practically identical in Romania and the Republic of Moldova," said Tomac. In the same context, he proposed organizing joint school Olympiads and expanding bilateral educational programs, arguing that rapprochement between young people is one of the most effective ways to strengthen relations between the two states.

• Joint sports competitions and integration projects

The Prime Minister-designate believes that sport can also become an important tool for bringing the two societies closer together. Among the ideas put forward are the organization of joint sports competitions and even the creation of a "Romania and Moldova Cup”, involving sports federations from both states. According to Tomac, such initiatives should be part of a broader cooperation strategy. "We must have the courage to move forward and develop much bolder projects”, he said, advocating for overcoming a relationship based exclusively on diplomatic contacts and one-off projects.

• European integration, the natural framework for rapprochement

Eugen Tomac expressed his conviction that the Republic of Moldova will become a member state of the European Union, appreciating that the proposed projects are complementary to the European integration process. The Republic of Moldova obtained the status of candidate country for accession to the European Union in 2022, and accession negotiations were officially opened in 2024. Brussels considers institutional rapprochement and legislative harmonization as essential elements of this process. In this context, joint projects in education, media and sports could facilitate European integration and strengthen ties between the two states. Eugen Tomac also brought up the prospect of unification between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. He recalled that the Romanian Parliament adopted a declaration in 2018 expressing the Romanian state's willingness to discuss a possible reunification process when the authorities and citizens of the Republic of Moldova consider such a step appropriate. "I am ready to manage such a process," Tomac declared, specifying that his immediate objective is to deepen relations between the two states and bring citizens closer together through concrete projects and institutional cooperation. According to the designated prime minister, the strengthening of cultural, educational and economic ties represents the foundation on which any future evolution of the relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova can be built.