The Government of Moldova fulfilled the technical conditions imposed by the European Union for providing the first installment of the macro-financial assistance. The continuation of the European reforms and correctness of elections are two key elements, said MEP Andi Cristea, co-chairman of the Moldova – EU Parliamentary Association Committee. He assured that the first installment will reach Moldova before the local elections set for May 20, IPN reports.
“I confirm that the ten technical conditions for disbursing the first installment were met by the Republic of Moldova. The existence of this conditionality element is a positive thing as it exerts beneficial political pressure on the Moldovan authorities in implementing the reforms defined in the Association Agreement. I think it is a matter of time. If the decision had been taken at the level of the European Parliament and depended on me, the money would have certainly arrived faster. I think it is also about a political signal that the European Union has the duty to transmit to support the current pro-European course,” Andi Cristea stated in a news conference given in concert with the other co-chairman of the Committee, Moldovan MP Eugen Carpov, after the first part of discussions on April 5.
At the end of the meeting, the Committee adopted the Final Declaration and Recommendations of the Parliamentary Association Committee. The EU will provide a total of €100 million, €60 million of which will come in the form of a medium-term loan and €40 million in grants.
Referring to the adopted documents, Andi Cristea said there are serious and efficient dialogue partners in Chisinau and there is political will for doing European reforms and this will is expressed through the implementation of reforms. “We ascertained important progress in such areas as the administrative reform, measures for the business sector and social measures, which is a necessary balance. We can speak about the stabilization of the banking sector and about the regaining of the people’s and investors’ confidence. At the same time, there are particular shortcomings and it is important for the government of the Republic of Moldova to make a priority of the more difficult processes, such as the justice sector reform, taking into account our recommendations and the conditions imposed by the EU. The European road is for now irreversible. That’s why the continuation of the European reforms and the correctness of elections are two key elements,” stated the MEP.
As regards the parliamentary elections that will be held in Moldova at this yearend, the MEP reiterated that the EU expects these will be free and fair in the country and the diaspora too, noting the dynamic of the alliances will depend on the voters and the political leaders in Chisinau.
Romanian MEP Andi Cristea has headed the delegation to the Moldova – EU Parliamentary Association Committee since 2014, being simultaneously the vice chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.
