The European integration process undertaken by the Republic of Moldova in the recent period slowed down compared with 2016, when progress was witnessed in this regard, U.S. Ambassador in Chișinău James Pettit stated in the talk show “Emphasis on today” on TVR Moldova channel. According to him, the fact that the Republic of Moldova is close to parliamentary elections could be a cause for the slowdown, IPN reports.
The ambassador said the European development course is the only one that can be embraced by the Republic of Moldova. Important progress in this direction was seen in 2016, but currently the integration process slowed down. “Probably, a reason is the fact that we are in an election campaign,” he stated, noting it is important that the authorities do not take a break and realize that constant work is needed in this area.
James Pettit said corruption that exists in all the areas is the biggest challenge faced by the Republic of Moldova in the European integration process. When the economy grows, many problems will disappear. There are a number of areas that do not work properly, including the justice sector that didn’t make big progress during the last few years, while the migration of the population is a national tragedy.
According to the diplomat, economic growth is needed as this will help all the areas. At the same time, governance is important for improving different governmental institutions, especially in the justice sector that experienced rather many problems until now.
“It is very important to attract foreign investment to the Republic of Moldova and a judicial system that works normally, in accordance with the EU and international standards, is needed to attract foreign investors. There are different institutions that should work correctly, democratically. I think there are yet several sectors where the institutions do not work correctly and I hope we can correct this situation in continuation,” stated James Pettit.
The ambassador noted that the U.S. by its programs provides training for judges, lawyers, public functionaries. “From time to time, experts from the U.S. or Europe come to the Republic of Moldova and they can train these functionaries,” he said.
