Global Journal of Human Social Science, F: Political Science, Volume 23 Issue 6

The Transformation of Moldovan Migrant Communities into the Moldovan Diaspora in the European Union: The Main Directions and Mechanisms Tatiana Turco α , Rodica Svetlicinai σ & Gheorghe Mosneaga ρ Abstract- The article is dedicated to the analysis of the primary directions and mechanisms of transformation of moldovan migrant communities in European Union countries into the Moldovan diaspora. The authors identify, as primary mechanisms, the participation of moldovan migrants in the political and socio-economic processes of the country of origin; the development of the Moldovan communities' institutional potential; the policies of the Republic of Moldova for the consolidation of the Moldovan diaspora. The Moldovan diaspora plays an important role in the political life of the Republic of Moldova, actively participating in its electoral processes. Its participation in the origin country's economic life mainly comes down to monetary transfers. At the same time, among members of the diaspora there are those that desire to invest in business and development projects. Moldovan diaspora associations are active in most European Union countries. As per the results of sociological research, Moldovan migrants do not actively participate in the activity of diaspora organizations, which is tied to both qualitative and quantitative factors. Moldovan authorities promote an active policy for the consolidation of the Moldovan diaspora abroad. The authors note that the establishment of a developed legal and institutional base contributed to the provision of diaspora rights and the strengthening of trust towards the state institutions of the Republic of Moldova, the mobilization, utilizing, and recognition of the diaspora's human, social, and financial potential . I. I ntroduction © 2023 Global Journals Volume XXIII Issue VI Version I 39 Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2023 ( ) F Keywords: Republic of Moldova, European Union, Moldovan communities, Moldovan diaspora. Author α σ : Associate Professors, Gheorghe Mosneaga is a lecturer, Moldova State University, Faculty of International Relations, Political and Administrative Sciences. e-mails: turcotatiana27@gmail.com , svetliciniirodica@yahoo.com Author ρ : Assistant Professor, Moldova State University, Faculty of International Relations, Political and Administrative Sciences. e-mail: gheorghemosneaga@gmail.com he Republic of Moldova became an active participant of migration processes in the 1990's. In the last 25-30 years a significant number of Moldovan citizens departed the country for the European Union, which led to the formation of Moldovan migrant communities in the destination countries. Gradually the process of transformation of those communities into a diaspora began to take place, diaspora organizations begin to appear; the diaspora started getting institutionalized. First and foremost, the diaspora is striving to maintain the identity, language, T and culture of its country of origin, but also contributes to the integration of migrants into the accepting countries. Today, the number of Moldovan citizens residing abroad reaches more than a million people, of which 47% reside in European Union countries (Guvernul, 2023a). The EU attracts them with its work opportunities, high salaries, a developed democratic and social system, and policies that contribute to migrant inclusiveness. Moldovan labor geography in the EU looks as follows: Italy (the primary consumer of Moldovan labor migrants), Czech, Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and the UK. More than 80% of all Moldovan labor migrants are found in these countries. The importance of a comprehensive analysis of Moldovan communities in the European Union, of the consolidation of their diaspora potential is determined by two primary factors: firstly, the diaspora identifies itself as a part of the people that resides in another state, and possesses its own strategy of interaction with both the host country and the country of origin. Secondly, diaspora organizations are formed, and their activity is directed at maintaining its members' ethnic identity, language, culture, traditions, etc. It is important to clarify the difference between Moldovan communities and Moldovan diaspora, which, in Moldovan political science and practice are often treated as one and the same (Cheianu-Andrei, 2013). The state institutions of the Republic of Moldova employ the «diaspora = Moldovan communities abroad» formula, but this approach undermines the diaspora phenomenon in itself (Mosneaga, 2017, p. 17). Migrant communities can be identified as social ethnic groups of migrants that have arrived to one country from another, and that have a common culture, the members of which identify as a singular, autonomous subject of social action (Dikun, 2014). The researcher R. Schwartz considers that the diaspora closely interacts with migrant communities, which is the basis for its development (Schwartz, 2007). This point of view is shared by V. Mosneaga, who notes that diasporas are maintained, consolidated, and developed through the attraction and integration of members of migrant communities. In his opinion diasporas