Authors

Julia Langbein¹; Sabine von Löwis¹; Ivaylo Dinev¹;  ¹ Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), Germany

Discussion

The economic relations of the Republic of Moldova are shaped by both its integration path towards the European Union and its historical ties with Russia and other post-Soviet states. In addition, the unresolved status of the Transnistrian region creates specific dynamics that affect business activity and cross-river cooperation. Companies operating on both banks of the Nistru face a mix of opportunities and challenges related to market access, regulatory environments, customs procedures, and political sensitivities. Understanding how businesses perceive these factors is essential for designing policies and support programs that strengthen economic resilience and integration. Based on a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews the paper will give a first overview of individual-level attitudes of entrepreneurs towards economic integration with the EU and other trading partners (e.g. Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States, Turkey) and across the Nistru.