Field Trip in die Republik Moldau

Monday morning began with a series of talks: After a briefing by German Ambassador Margret Uebber, who gave an overview of the country’s recent history and Moldova’s political system, among other things, the group visited the presidential office. There, the network spoke with Stanislav Secrieru, National Security Advisor to the President, and Olga Roșca, Foreign Policy Advisor in the President’s Office, about the country’s security policy challenges. As a highlight, President Maia Sandu herself also took the time to join the discussion. Afterwards, the group met with representatives of the Institutul pentru Inițiative Strategice (IPIS) and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue to discuss the role of Transnistria.

After lunch and in bright sunshine, they continued with more relaxed topics during a walking tour of Chișinău. Freshly energized thanks to delicious coffee specialities from one of the many excellent cafés, the group was ready for two more discussions. With Ana Revenco, Director of the Centre for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation, Valentina Boțan, Cooperation and Information Exchange Officer at the Agency for Cybersecurity (ASC) and Timur Cetin, Political Advisor at the EU Partnership Mission Moldova, the network discussed the question of how the Republic of Moldova can protect itself against hybrid threats such as disinformation and cyberattacks and what lessons can be learned for Germany and other countries. The network then met Alina Radu, investigative journalist and head of the country’s largest daily newspaper, Ziarul de Garda. Among other things, she reported on her team’s research that uncovered the purchase of votes by Russia.

After so much food for thought, it was time for some real food at a traditional dinner with all kinds of delicacies that the Moldovan cuisine has to offer. The group was also joined by some locals – journalists and representatives from the civil society.

After this eventful first day, Tuesday began no less interesting: During a visit to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in the morning, the group was first given an insight into the various development cooperation projects supported and funded by GIZ and KfW Development Bank.

This was followed by a cultural activity. The group travelled by bus to the autonomous region of Gagauzia, where the Hederlez Festival is held every year in May in Ceadîr-Lunga. Different communities from all over the country presented themselves in their traditional costumes and offered culinary samples and dances. Unfortunately, the traditional horse race could not take place due to previous rainy days. In the afternoon, the network met with local officials and journalists Finally, the group enjoyed a traditional Gagauzian dinner before travelling back to Chișinău by bus.

On Wednesday morning, the participants were then able to explore the city a little on their own. The first appointment was at the NATO Liaison Office, where the group discussed the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and NATO with representatives of the office. In the afternoon, the KNFP had the honour of being received by several ministers. Firstly, the network met with Energy Minister Dorin Dzunghietu and discussed with him past energy crises and the country’s energy security. The afternoon was rounded off by a discussion with the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov. As an EU accession candidate, the country faces key questions: What challenges and tasks need to be overcome in order to successfully shape the path to the European Union? The group then discussed these and other topics in greater depth with the last dialogue partner of the day, Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău.

Thursday started just outside the centre of Chișinău at the Ministry of Defence. In a conversation with Defence Minister Anatoli Nosatîi, the group discussed the effects of the war and the plans for reforming the armed forces, among other things. This was followed by another discussion on the challenges of EU accession at the think tank Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE). Shortly before lunch, the network met with opposition politician Stefan Gligor from the Partidul Schimbării (Party of Change). The last political item on the day’s agenda was a meeting with representatives of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The small agricultural country’s main export is wine. Moldova’s wine tradition goes back several thousand years. This is why the topic could not be missing on this field trip. In the afternoon, the group visited the underground wine cellars of Cricova. The underground labyrinth of tunnels covers 53 hectares and is one of the largest wine cellars in the world. This was followed by a wine tasting at a small family-run winery with internationally recognised wines.

Friday morning was once again all about European integration. At the Europe Festival, hosted by the government, government institutions, European organisations and embassies as well as some civil society organisations were represented. Afterwards, the network went ‘out into the countryside’ to the small village of Râșcova to the EcoVillage, an educational training centre for sustainable living and environmental protection. During a tour of the village, the group got to know locals and were treated with delicious Plăcintă – the Moldovan national dish made from strudel or puff pastry with a sweet or savoury filling – and fresh milk. Back at the EcoVillage, the participants started heated debates during a climate strategy board game.
Some of the participants stayed with host families in the village.

On Saturday morning, before heading back to Berlin, the network explored the beautiful green, lush landscapes of Moldova and the Orheiul Vechi cave monastery, concluding with a final breakfast together at Butuceni.

Seit 2005 fanden über 15 Field Trips des Körber Netzwerk Außenpolitik in mehr als 20 Länder statt.