Moldova’s librarians can become ambassadors of the European integration, said the director general of the National Library Elena Pintilei. During a public discussion, the head of the institution described what skills librarians have and how they can get involved in informing the public about the European Union. She noted the improvement of communication skills and the organization of educational activities, IPN reports.
In the context of European integration, librarians will participate in training courses and workshops, conducted by central and local public authorities, international organizations and experts in European affairs, which will provide librarians with the necessary knowledge to give competent answers to the public’s questions.
The director of the National Library said that our country is going through a historical period of transformation and it is therefore necessary to correctly inform the citizens about the stages, benefits and challenges of joining the European Union. “After signing the Association Agreement with the European Union in 2014 and obtaining, in 2022, the accession candidate status, Moldova is now in a complex process of integration into European institutions. This process involves legislative and institutional reforms, as well as profound social changes,” stated Elena Pintilei.
Speaking about the contribution of librarians, she noted that, in their capacity as public servants, they facilitate access to information and can provide the public with relevant data on European integration, combat disinformation and promote correct understanding of the benefits and challenges of this process.
“By organizing events, thematic exhibitions, debates addressed to various categories of citizens, our librarians can facilitate the understanding of the accession process and encourage the active participation of citizens in discussions,” pointed out the director of the National Library, adding that the development of librarians’ professional skills is crucial for them to become active promoters of European civic education.
According to Valeriu Mija, secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, society should understand the transformative and complex nature of the accession process, which involves the entire community and has a direct impact on every citizen of the Republic of Moldova. Thus, strategic communication is important, through which the message is disseminated as widely as possible. Valeriu Mija highlighted the significant role of libraries, as basic institutions in the academic community, in disseminating information and knowledge about the European Union. When knowing such information, the citizens can better understand the development objectives of the region and the state, the official said.
MP Marina Morozova noted that the project “Women EU Ambassadors” united all women of the Republic of Moldova. Events were organized in all districts where women came and talked about why it is important to be ambassadors of European integration. “On the parliamentary platform, we fight to have women in decision-making positions, to have women employed in all sectors,” said Marina Morozova.
In the context of the constitutional referendum on joining the European Union, the National Library, in partnership with the “Young European Ambassadors” program, organizes a series of interactive sessions for students entitled “Europe for young people – Europe for you”. The sessions are staged between September and October at the Pro-European Center for Services and Communication, in the central block of the National Library.
