“The European Union and Moldova share a simple principle: the fact that both of the sides now need not only economic cooperation, which is rather important, but is not enough. Particularly, our partnership should be based on the joint values that unite is. This should be the main impetus,” Benedetto Della Vedova, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italy stated in a dialogue with representatives of Moldovan civil society at the State University of Moldova (USM), IPN reports.

“The joint values on which Europe is based are also at the core of the association process,” said the Italian official, referring to the states that signed Association Agreements with the EU, including the Republic of Moldova. The standards of democracy, the rule of law, separation of powers, human rights are values that define the EU. The foundations of the European Union are not tied to economic relations only.”

The member states can be stripped of EU funds when they do not obey the values defined in the European treaties, such as democracy, freedom, rule of law, stated Benedetto Della Vedova. The economic relations rank second. The values are the “basic force” of the EU.

“Under the general framework of the Association Agreement with the EU, the European Community asks to undertake to observe the rule of law principles, to fight corruption, to strengthen the institutions and public control over reforms. This also refers to Moldova’s participation in the Eastern Partnership. The Eastern Partnership turned out to be a fundamental instrument for coming closer to the EU. It is an important source for supporting the rule of law and civil society.

“A lively, inclusive civil society is crucial in promoting the rule of law and good governance, the basic freedoms in the Moldovan space. It is a precious instrument for strengthening ties between Moldova and Europe. The European Union started with different economic agreements so as to later have political cooperation. But we should underline that the economic, commercial aspect or the idea of EU market integration does not cover all the relations and is no longer the foundation on which the EU is based today. Moreover, the rule of law and human rights and the support for Moldovan society occupy an important part in the Association Agreement,” stated Benedetto Della Vedova.

“It is important to realize the needs of the countries (of the Eastern Partnership, e.n.) and primarily of the Republic of Moldova in the process of coming closer to the EU,” said Italy’s Ambassador to Moldova Lorenzo Tomassoni, welcoming the format of discussions at USM.

The 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Italy was celebrated on February 21.