This article describes the process of self-determination and the creation of a
territorial autonomy of the Gagauz people in the Republic of Moldova. It also
analyses the situation in the autonomy after the change of government in
Chisinau in 2009 and evaluates the current status of accommodation of the
Gagauz’ interests in the country. Aspects of state-building and the influence of
external actors are explored as well. Gagauzia (Gagauz Yeri) is one of the first
post-Soviet autonomies. Since its establishment in 1994, no violent conflict has
taken place there. However, the Gagauz language and culture remain relatively
unprotected, and incentives as well as support for the integration of the Gagauz
are low. The article outlines the potential for future disputes between the
central government and local authorities, due to continuous attempts to limit
Gagauzia’s self-governance and conflicting interpretations of how the autonomy
should work. Furthermore, struggles between Gagauz political leaders and other
local realities hamper the successful realization of Gagauz Yeri.
With respect to Moldova’s efforts to resolve the Transnistrian conflict and to
integrate with the European Union, compromises and cooperation through an
ongoing dialogue between the centre and autonomy are clearly due. Resolving
the remaining stumbling blocks could make Gagauzia a living, rather than
symbolic autonomy.