The European Commission has resumed budget support assistance to Moldova by disbursing €14.54 million today to support the implementation of the EU-Moldova free trade agreement, finance vocational education and assist the implementation of the visa liberalization action plan.

Today’s package is a clear sign of the EU support to the Republic of Moldova and its citizens,” a press release quoted Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn as saying.

It is also an appreciation of the steps already taken and an encouragement to the authorities to continue on this path in particular when it comes to the strengthening of the rule of law and democracy, and fight against corruption,” stated Hahn.

The resumption of disbursements comes after a nearly two-year period during which such payments had been put on hold because of a deterioration of the rule of law situation in the country. “The recently installed government has taken important decisions, which have allowed the EU to assess that the conditions have been met to resume its budget support to the Republic of Moldova,” goes on the European Commission’s press release.

The Commission has commended the Moldovan authorities recent efforts to implement the Venice Commission recommendations as regards the electoral law, to investigate the 2014 bank fraud and help depoliticise state institutions and fight corruption, among others.