oh yes it is.
Yesterday, in Nădlac, the community was able to see the first
example of change as a result of Romania entering the European
Union.
(See picture below)
What you are seeing are plastic pipes that are going to be used
to update the town's water system.
The project is the result of funding from the European Union. I
am not exactly sure to what extent, but the EU is participating
financially to make this happen. I am pretty lucky because the
picture was taken directly in front of my house. So that means
I will be one of the first ones in Nădlac to be affected by our first
EU project.
When I was in the 10 week training period that the Peace Corps
gives us upon arrival in country, time and time again we heard
the Romanian trainers saying that by nature the people were
negative. I am not sure if it is because of culture, their history of
communism or the high levels of corruption. Logically it is all
parts that and more.
One of my activities is to speak with the people about the
upcoming changes to Romania. Up to this point I haven’t
heard anyone say that they thought things would be better
because of the EU. But also there hasn't been any information
given to them that could possibly help eliminate their doubts.
So far I have noticed 3 changes which are directly linked to
the European Union.
First one is a Rroma (Gypsy) liaison between the Rroma
community and the mayor’s office.
Second is that of the teachers receiving a 23% pay raise this
year. The last time they received a pay raise was 5 years
ago. Of course 23% sounds hefty but it is … 23% of what.
Their pay is ridiculously low and 23% won't make them rich
by any means. But it is the proverbial step in the right direction.
I heard some rumors as they pertained to the negotiations
concerning the new raise. What was told to me was that, at first,
the Romanian representatives wanted to give the teachers
something like 10%. What happened was that the EU told them
that they better get their heads out of their (you know whats) and
start thinking about paying these people better. The goal of the
EU is to raise the standards of living of each country so that
in the end they are all fairly equal. Also, the salaries throughout
all sectors will begin to rise as a result of pressure from the EU.
Third change, you saw it in the picture above. New infrastructure
projects that will improve existing systems, and will create years
of work that should produce decent paying jobs for workers.
Every time a new change comes I use it as an argument to
to tell them that they are really about some of the luckiest
people in the world. They look at me like I am nuts but I ask them
this. Do you think that the Romanian government would put a
law that all communities need a Rroma representative? Would
anyone else even think to give the teachers a decent pay raise?
Or would there be new water pipes for Nădlac if it was up to the
powers that be?
It is funny but all the people said “No”, there wouldn’t be any
changes at all“.
Maybe the USA needs to become a European Union country
so that someone could force the issue of health care for everyone.
The people always mention that the government officials are
well known for their corruptional tendencies. But the argument
against that is that the EU emphasizes transparency. Of course
nothing is perfect but at least there will be someone from the EU
looking over the books.
It has only been two months since Romania entered the European
Union and the transformation is only in it's beginning stage. But
there appears to be a pretty good start.
What seems to be arriving is a sense that the days of
unimpeded corruption and greed are numbered. There will still
be some but now normal people will begin to get their little piece
of the pie.
I am becoming excited to see what’s coming next, hopefully
the citizens will start to see things in a positive light. It would be
nice to see their frowns turned upside down.
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