The Association Agreement (AA) between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova offers Moldova a framework for boosting trade and economic growth through improved access to the EU market for its products and services and by comprehensively approximating its trade-related laws and regulations to Union standards. If implemented fully, it will facilitate Moldova’s progressive integration with the EU single market, the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini and EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said on the occasion of the full entry into force of the AA, IPN reports.
According to a press release of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini said that she looks forward to closer ties between the EU and the Republic of Moldova as a result of this Agreement entering fully into force. “Together with the implementation of reforms in the country, the agreement has the potential to help changing the lives of Moldovans for the better, to bring jobs, growth and stability,” stated the official.
EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn said that they were pleased to already see some concrete results. “Moldova’s exports to the EU have increased, and the EU has confirmed its position as a first trade partner of Moldova. Now, fundamental changes in political and economic governance need to take place, so Moldovans can see real change. We are looking forward to real reforms on the rule of law, justice, the independence of institutions from political pressure and on economic development. The EU is making available substantial assistance to support the implementation of the country’s reform agenda,” he noted.
Under the Association Agreement, Moldova has committed to ambitious structural reforms in key areas, such as democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights, foreign and security policy, trade and economic development. Increased cooperation on energy, transport, environmental protection, industrial cooperation, social development and protection, equal opportunities, consumer protection education, and youth and cultural cooperation is also foreseen.
Since 1 September 2014, substantial parts of the agreement have been provisionally applied. This period has seen an increase in Moldovan exports to the European Union. Sales of preserved vegetables to the EU have increased by 455% since 2014. Exports of Moldovan preserved fruits and nuts have grown by 228%.
