The limits of the Eastern Partnership become clearer and the dilemma is what should be done for the this to remain attractive to the countries that form part of it and to the EU member states, Prime Minister Pavel Filip stated in the high-level conference centering on the tenth anniversary of the Eastern Partnership. According to the Premier, the transformations that occur in the EaP countries are evident and these states deserve a new visionary political decision on rapprochement from the EU, IPN reports.
Pavel Filip noted that besides the tenth anniversary of the EaP, it is also marked the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Moldova – EU Association Agreement and of the liberalization of the visa regime. The results are visible. Over two thirds of the citizens benefited from the liberalized regime and Moldova’s exports to the EU exceeded two thirds of the total exports.
As regards the learned lessons, Pavel Filip said these are many in number. One of them is that one can do nothing without an open and well-trained team and this refers not only to the state authorities, but also to civil society and the business community. One should also learn to communicate efficiently over the EU, the Association Agreement etc. “This project was based on political will and I think success can be further achieved based on political will. Surely, we have yet a lot to learn. We must fulfil the commitments in such areas as good governance, ensuring of democratic standards, harmonization of the legislation. We must admit that some of the areas are reformed easier, while others are more resistant. Time is needed in this regard, but we are absolutely ready to make effort,” he stated.
The Premier suggested taking a step forward and moving from cooperation to cohesion during the next five-ten years. “The second message is that the citizens should feel more or benefit more from the positive changes and services, especially those that are used daily, such as transport, healthcare, banking services, telecommunication,,” said Pavel Filip.
He noted the assistance of the EU member states is needed in ensuring economic development. “The fourth message is related to security and we must admit that all the accomplishments in the social and economic spheres can be reduced to zero if there is no regional security and stability. That’s why security should be one of the real priorities of the Eastern Partnership. The last message concerns the openness to conquer new horizons by creative approaches so as to identity new cooperation and integration opportunities,” added Pavel Filip.
The tenth anniversary of the Eastern Partnership is marked by a series of high-level events in Brussels.
