The signing of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union is a serious and symbolic fact, considers the Ambassador of Poland in Chisinau Artur Michalski. According to him, the reforms stipulated in the Association Agreement should be now implemented in the Republic of Moldova. The opinions were stated in the public debate “Moldova after Vilnius and Riga: opportunities and challenges for the next destination”, which forms part of the series “Developing political culture by public debates”, staged by IPN News Agency and Radio Moldova.

Artur Michalski said the Republic of Moldova did particular reforms and obtained success on the path of European integration, the liberalized visa regime being the most important accomplishment. Work is yet to be done to implement the Association Agreement.

“Earlier, Moldova was a success story. I cannot say that this fact is delayed. However, you are the only country (in the Eastern Partnership – e.n.) that enjoys a liberalized visa regime for now. But there were also many shortcomings,” stated the diplomat.

He noted that the EU member states can be only good advisers for the Republic of Moldova and can show it the development possibilities, but reforms should be done on the initiative of those from Chisinau. Only in such circumstances can the people regain confidence in the government. The confidence in the government decreased owing to the lack of real reforms.

Artur Michalski said the Republic of Moldova must continue the reforms provided in the Association Agreement and must establish more infrastructural relations with the EU countries.