Moldovan deputy PM for European integration, EU Ambassador discuss with young people

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov, along with  European Union’s Ambassador to Moldova Janis Mazeiks today met over 100 pupils, students and teachers from Euro Clubs from all over the country.

According to Cristina Gherasimov, such meetings are essential to encourage young people's involvement in civic life and consolidate their role in the European integration process.

"European integration is more about people and less about institutions. Strong institutions are needed, but especially active and enthusiastic young people, who can help us change things at home," said the deputy PM.

During the visit, the official spoke to young people about the progress made Moldova and the priority directions for speeding up the EU accession process.

"I told them what we have managed to achieve as a country in the last three years, but especially what we have to do together from now on, in order to bring Moldova into the EU," Gherasimov also said.

To stimulate the involvement of young people, Cristina Gherasimov proposed internships at the government and encouraged them to return home after studying abroad, in order to contribute to Moldova’s development.

"To see how much effort is put into public institutions, I invited them to come for internships at the government. I also encouraged them to take advantage of all opportunities provided by the EU, and if they leave abroad, to return home and be proud of their country," noted the official.

Euro Clubs and European Union Information Centers (EICs) are a widespread network of volunteers contributing to raising public awareness about EU-Moldova relations, the EU's contribution to the country's development, European values and other European subjects, such as policies, institutions, public programs and relations with neighbours.

Presently, there are 15 EU Information Centers and 17 Euro Clubs in Moldova, hosted by libraries, high schools and universities across the country.