The head of the EU Delegation to Moldova believes that the Association Agreement with the EU can truly change the way in which our country manages its affairs in a global economy, which can bring about prosperity, create new jobs and attract investment. However, this can only happen if the Agreement is enforced, Pirkka Tapiola said in an interview with the “Timpul” daily, quoted by IPN.

“We are opening our markets to the Moldovan goods, but the EU is regulated by a certain set of rules, standards and principles – everything that a high-level society is based on, with a favorable investment climate, fair rules and consumer's protection standards”, said the head of the EU Delegation.

According to Pirkka Tapiola, it is extremely important for Moldova to continue work in such fields as independence of justice and fight against corruption, issues of great interest not just for the EU, but also for the citizens of Moldova.

“Transition is always a lasting process, but I think that an important way for the authorities to make progress is to act so that the citizens can see concrete results. And even if many things won't happen overnight, things move on and it is crucial that the tendency is clear, that there is a certainty that reforms do take place and things evolve – which would demonstrate that Moldova is on the right track”, said the official.

Pirkka Tapiola added that he is full of optimism and believes that the Moldovans will be able to move freely across the EU. “I'm not among those who think that migration flows will rise following visa liberalization. On the contrary, I expect that there will be more interaction, more reciprocal visits, and more Moldovan tourists visiting the EU. Experience has shown that those who seek to work illegally abroad will always find a way, regardless of whether there is a liberalized visa regime or not”, said Pirkka Tapiola.

The head of the EU Delegation also spoke about the Transnistrian conflict, stating that identifying a sustainable solution to the Transnistrian problem is a key goal for the EU. He remarked that Germany has been particularly active in offering support, strengthening and building confidence between the two sides of the Nistru, and also playing a leading role on behalf of the EU in the 5+2 talks. Pirkka Tapiola says that the EU would like to see greater action towards identifying common interests between the two sides and the depoliticization of the conflict.