On the eve of Independence Day, TRIBUNA is publishing a series of materials under the heading “35 Years of Independence.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Eugeniu Osmochescu accepted our invitation and shared the following reflections:

The Republic of Moldova at 35

I see the Republic of Moldova at 35 as a country that has undergone profound transformations and today has greater confidence in its own future. We are not yet where we want to be, but we have built important things: institutions, a market economy, an entrepreneurial community, strong economic ties with the European Union, and a society increasingly connected to the democratic and European world.

Most importantly, Moldova is no longer just a country searching for its direction. We have a clear direction — European integration — and we have the opportunity to turn this direction into economic development, better jobs, and a higher quality of life.

The Greatest Achievements

I would mention three achievements that have fundamentally changed the Republic of Moldova.

The first is the creation of a market economy and the development of the private sector. Over the past 35 years, entrepreneurs and companies have emerged and grown from scratch, invested, created jobs, and reached the point of competing on international markets.

The second is our growing proximity to and economic integration with Europe. Today, the European Union is our main trading partner, and Moldovan companies are increasingly connected to the European market and value chains. This is a change that directly affects the economy and people’s opportunities.

The third is digital transformation. Moldova has managed to make important progress in a relatively short period, moving from traditional public services to digital services, developing the IT sector, and creating a technology ecosystem that can become one of the country’s competitive advantages.

The Greatest Challenges. What Divides Society

The challenges remain significant: low productivity in many sectors, a labor shortage, the need for greater investment, infrastructure development, and increasing the competitiveness of Moldovan companies.

However, I believe that one of the most important challenges is to succeed in turning our differences into dialogue rather than division. A society can have different opinions, but it must be able to build together.

I believe that people in the Republic of Moldova have far more things that unite them than divide them: the desire for a better life, a safe family, a well-paid job, and a good future for their children. Beyond differences in outlook, these are common aspirations.

The Future of the Republic of Moldova. What Will It Be Like in 10 Years?

I see Moldova in 10 years as a country much more integrated into the European economy, with a more competitive economy and more opportunities for people and businesses.

I would like to see more local production, more investment, Moldovan companies present on foreign markets, technologies developed here, and well-paid jobs. I want a young person to be able to build a career in Moldova without feeling that they necessarily have to go abroad in order to find opportunities.

European integration must be felt in the economy, services, infrastructure, salaries, and everyday life.

What I Am Proud of and What I Would Tell a Foreigner About Moldova

First and foremost, I would talk about our people — hardworking, creative people capable of building important things.

Then I would talk about our wines and products, which have come to be appreciated in an increasing number of international markets. Moldova has quality products and a tradition that we need to capitalize on more effectively.

I would talk about the IT sector and our ability to innovate. This is an area in which Moldova has demonstrated that it can compete internationally.

I would also say that we have a country with enormous tourism potential, from wineries and gastronomy to heritage, nature, and hospitality.

And, of course, I would talk about our European path. It is one of the most important transformations Moldova has undergone and an opportunity that we must make the most of.

A Message to the Republic of Moldova and Its Citizens on the 35th Anniversary of Independence

On the 35th anniversary of Independence, I believe the most important message is to have confidence in Moldova and in our ability to build it.

Independence is the freedom to decide our future ourselves and the responsibility to build it. Every entrepreneur who creates a job, every young person who learns and stays to build their future here, and every person who does their job well contributes to this country.

We have a historic opportunity to turn European integration into a new development model for Moldova. To build a stronger economy, a more united society, and a country where people have reasons to stay, return, and invest.

At 35, I believe Moldova is opening a new chapter — perhaps the most important chapter in our development — a chapter in which European integration can accelerate the modernization of the economy, create more opportunities for people and companies, and lay the foundations for a more prosperous country that is more attractive to investors and to future generations.