The signing and ratification of the Association Agreement with the EU will lead to the destruction of Moldova’s economy and to the ruining of Moldovan producers, said Communist MP Gheorghe Anghel. Within a survey carried out by IPN among lawmakers, he stated that he will not vote for the ratification of the accord.

Gheorghe Anghel said that at the current stage, the national products cannot compete with the European ones because the Europeans invest a lot in the subsidization of agriculture. In the EU, one hectare is subsidized with €150 on average, while in Moldova with only €15-16. The Moldovan food products cannot compete with the European ones by quality, packing and price either.

The MP also said that the producers do not need to be encouraged. They need money for massive investments. “A period of transition is required for placing the European products on the Moldovan market. We should also benefit from financial support to implement the European standards in the national economy,” he stated.

According to Gheorghe Anghel, the fact that Moldova assumed responsibility for protecting over 1,500 geographical indications of wines produced in the EU is a disadvantage of the accord. In the case of the Moldovan wines, the European community will have to protect only two geographical indications - Romanesti and Ciumai. But there are many names of wines that should be protected, including Cricova and Negru de Purcari.

The Communist MP noted that the Association Agreement will affect Moldova’s economic relations with other countries as there will be imposed export restrictions. The accord is signed by the current government for political PR purposes before the parliamentary elections. A new accord should be negotiated as the current one was initialed and cannot be modified without negotiations.

The Association Agreement with the EU will be signed on June 27. A number of 51 votes are needed for ratifying it.