November 22, 2024 High Level Vienna Event

Dear partners, colleagues and friends of Moldova and Ukraine in Vienna!

We were pleased to have you during our Vienna 2024 Dialogue: Moldova’s Progress and Ukraine’s Resilience on the Path to EU Integration, which took place on November 22, 2024.

Building on last year’s successful event by Moldova4EU Diaspora Task Force, this year’s dialogue expanded its focus to include Ukraine, providing a timely platform to reflect on the pivotal developments in both Moldova and Ukraine. With Moldova’s October 2024 Constitutional Referendum and Presidential Election results, and Ukraine’s steadfast commitment to EU integration amidst ongoing war, this event aimed to bring together key stakeholders to discuss shared challenges, actionable insights, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.

The event was co-organized by Erste Foundation Vienna, Moldova4EU Diaspora Task Force, Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the Republic of Austria, Stichting Noroc Olanda (within the Diaspora4EU project, implemented with the financial support of the European Union and the German Marshall Fund (GMF), GIZ Moldova, PromoLex Moldova.

Backdrop: Moldova and Ukraine at a critical juncture

The past year has brought significant milestones and challenges for both Moldova and Ukraine. In Moldova, the October 2024 Constitutional Referendum confirmed, albeit by a narrow margin (50.38%), the country's commitment to pursuing EU membership. The referendum results, validated by Moldova’s Constitutional Court, highlighted the political complexities and strong external influences shaping public opinion, particularly Russia's persistent efforts to undermine democratic processes.

Concurrently, Moldova's incumbent president, Maia Sandu, secured re-election in a second-round vote on November 3, 2024, defeating Alexandr Stoianoglo. Like the referendum, Presidential elections were marked by credible reports of massive interference from Russia, a stark reminder of the hybrid war that continues to challenge Moldova's democratic resilience. Nevertheless, the outcome reflects a strong mandate for the country’s European aspirations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the reforms needed for EU accession.

In parallel, Ukraine’s path to EU integration remains resolute despite the ongoing Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience, advancing critical reforms and maintaining strong public support for its European course. The Ukrainian government’s determination to fulfill the European Commission's recommendations has inspired solidarity across the continent and reinforced the shared vision of a united Europe, free from coercion and external aggression.

The event will include a discussion on how Moldova and Ukraine can adapt their strategies, engage with European allies, and leverage diaspora advocacy to ensure continued progress towards their EU integration goals, even in the face of evolving international dynamics.

Key themes of the event:

Reflecting on Moldova’s progress and challenges post-Referendum and Presidential elections:

- This session will provide an in-depth analysis of Moldova’s progress in addressing the European Commission’s recommendations. It will examine the implications of the October 20, 2024, Constitutional Referendum and the re-election of President Maia Sandu, emphasizing the political dynamics at play and the ongoing threat posed by Russian disinformation campaigns. The discussion will also look ahead to the 2025 parliamentary elections and on the role of diaspora and civil society play in safeguarding Moldovan democracy.

Ukraine’s resilience and EU aspirations amidst war

- Despite the immense challenges of an ongoing war, Ukraine’s commitment to its EU integration path remains unwavering. This session will highlight Ukraine’s progress in advancing reforms and fulfilling the criteria set by the European Commission, as well as they will explore the shared lessons and strategies for countering external threats and accelerating the reform agenda in a time of war.

Strengthening partnerships for EU integration

- Sustained support from European and international partners is essential for Moldova and Ukraine as they continue their paths towards EU membership. This session will focus on fostering deeper engagement and collaboration among Austrian public institutions, European diplomats, think tanks, development agencies, and representatives from Moldova and Ukraine. The aim is to create a cohesive and coordinated approach that reinforces the European aspirations of both countries and addresses the unique challenges they face.

- The event will culminate in a discussion on establishing a sustainable platform for cross-country, cross-expert cooperation. Participants will explore opportunities for knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and mutual advocacy on reforms, governance, and the EU integration process. Special attention will be given to the role of the diaspora in supporting these efforts, leveraging their expertise, networks, and commitment to driving positive change in both Moldova and Ukraine.

Agenda

9:00 - 9:30 Welcoming Remarks

Yana Barinova, Program Director for European Policies and Ukraine, Erste Foundation, Austria
Key note speaker: Elisabeth Kornfeind, Ambassador, Director General Europe and Economic Affairs, Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs.
Her Excellency Victoria Rosa, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the Republic of Austria, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the OSCE

9:30 - 11:00 Session 1: Moldova’s progress post-referendum and Presidential elections

A brief analysis of Moldova's constitutional referendum and presidential elections (October 2024), focusing on implications for the 2025 parliamentary elections and ongoing EU integration efforts. The role of Russian disinformation in shaping electoral outcomes and its impact on public trust and national security. The role of diaspora and civil society for safeguarding Moldovan democracy.

Speakers

Victoria Rosa, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the Republic of Austria
Vadim Vieru, Human Rights Lawyer, Promo-LEX Association Moldova
Dorina Baltag, Co-Founder, Stichting Noroc Olanda, Presentation by Dorina

Q&A Session

Moderator Veronica Cretu

11:00 - 11:15 Coffee break

11:15 - 12:30 Session 2: Ukraine’s resilience and EU aspirations amidst Russia’s war

Ukraine’s continued commitment to EU membership, despite the war’s challenges. Exploring emerging issues such as governance, security, displaced populations, and rebuilding efforts. The role of resilience strategies and international cooperation in maintaining progress toward EU integration.

Speakers

Oleksandra Demianenko, Research Fellow of the New Europe College, Institute for Advanced Studies
Olga Olefirova, Policy development expert, harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU standards
Olga Bolibok, Project coordinator and researcher at the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI), Vienna
Anastasiia Zernova, Legal professional, International business mediator, Attorney at law (licensed in Ukraine)

Q&A Session for audience interaction with the panel on Ukraine's resilience and its prospects for EU membership.

● Moderator Veronica Cretu

12:30 - 13:15 Lunch break

13:15 - 15:00 Session 3: Strengthen partnerships with Austrian and international stakeholders

Exploring ways to deepen international cooperation to support Moldova and Ukraine’s political and economic reforms.

Role of Erste Foundation and its support for Ukraine, Yana Barinova, Program Director for European Policies and Ukraine, Erste Foundation, Austria
"Building resilience together", Alexandru Manoli, Advisor on Research and Communication, InfoTrust Allince - Moldova project, GIZ Moldova

The session will continue with an interactive part which will focus on generating practical, solution-oriented ideas to advance Moldova and Ukraine’s EU integration goals. The session invites participants to brainstorm and collaborate on innovative approaches that address current challenges and leverage existing opportunities.

Moderator Veronica Cretu

15:00 - 16:00 Closing remarks and wrap up

Networking over Moldovan wine, Dutch cheese and Ukrainian sweets.