​The day after the European Council approved the start of accession talks between Moldova and Ukraine, a HotNews.ro correspondent spoke with several local residents of Chisinau of different ages, professions and visions about the difficulties in the process and what they will have to do to win . , in their opinion, citizens.

While some consider the European Council’s decision auspicious for a more prosperous future for the Republic of Moldova, others are skeptical.

Answering questions about the changes that, in their opinion, the beginning of negotiations with the EU will bring, some are optimistic: “Everything is only for the better. Maybe we will live better. We hope so. We just hope,” one woman said.

“God, let our leadership come to their senses to make reforms. Reforms are not moving very well. Justice remains… thugs in cloaks, so to speak,” said the older man.

Development of the economy, which in the first place can solve many problems. And the return of young people (no – from abroad)”, – believes a local resident of Chisinau municipality.

“I have no illusions. For this reason, please forgive me. My aunt lives in Amsterdam. And my cousin has lived there for 30 years. She works in a bank. I have an idea about our future. Therefore, I prefer not to comment,” the woman says skeptically.

Other respondents say they expect the prices of products and services to remain as they have been in the near term.

“If it came down to the landlords (rental payment – no) to increase the price: once they bought for 100 euros, 150, now – you can’t get it anymore. I’m not talking about the students who come and study here (…) Clothes have already become cheaper than food if so many people are sad that they no longer have anything to put on the table,” says a young student.

On Thursday, December 14, the European Council decided to start negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Earlier, the European Commission made such a recommendation.

Recommendations were made to the Republic of Moldova in several areas, including justice reform, the electoral system, the fight against corruption, deoligarization and the reduction of the influence of private interests, the fight against organized crime and money laundering, the improvement of public services, public administration reform, public financial management, and the involvement of civil society and respect for human rights.