The first significant event after the decision to begin negotiations on EU accession with Moldova was the widely covered visit of the head of Gagauzia to Brussels. She held meetings with
several European experts and organized a press conference on the European integration of Moldova and the state of affairs regarding the national and cultural autonomy of this region.
The issue of Gagauzia could soon become a subject of discussion at the highest level in Europe. Moldova's authorities' conduct in this matter is an important test they must pass before aspiring to a place in the EU. Respect for the cultural and linguistic diversity of the EU is an essential component of the life of a Unified Europe. It is enshrined in Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union. Additionally, there exists Declaration No. 11 of the Final Act of the Amsterdam Treaty on the status of churches and non-confessional organizations, which has now evolved into Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
According to the Law on Cultural Autonomy of National Minorities, § 3 (1), a person belonging to a national minority has the right to preserve their ethnic identity, cultural customs, native language, and religion. Furthermore, within the EU, it is prohibited to denigrate the customs and religious practices of any national culture and impede their exercise. It is also prohibited to engage in any activities aimed at coercing members of a national minority to adopt the national characteristics of another nation.
The head of Gagauzia discussed the real situation in Moldova regarding this matter with journalists gathered on December 19 in the premises of the Brussels Press Club. Her account of the persecution of the Gagauz cultural and national autonomy was vividly confirmed by the behavior of a group of journalists from Chisinau, who acted aggressively, attempting to ask a large number of questions, interrupting the moderator, and provoking the delegation from Gagauzia.
The behavior of this group of individuals, sent by the authorities in Chisinau, indirectly affirmed in the eyes of those present the veracity of the facts regarding Chisinau's negative attitude towards Gagauzia's autonomy, as voiced during the press conference.
