Ever since its independence in 1991, Moldova has been struggling to change its international status into a democratic country, with a functional market economy, worthy of being included in the EU ‘ring of friends’. The country’s economic heritage burdened the pathway to the EU approximation, whereas its corruption stigma still persists. However, efforts to improve the difficult economic situation revealed the country as a fighter for autonomy and progress. Moldova has been constantly appointed as one of the EU’s most obedient apprentices. Its inclusion in the European Neighbourhood Policy (2004) and, later on, in the Eastern dimension of this policy (the EaP) was reflected by steady growth. Nonetheless, false friends – such as remittances – have engaged Moldova on a road to provisional success. It is in the hands of the country if reform is to be adjusted to the long term needs of this tiny, yet strong EU partne