Head of Parliament Marian Lupu considers that the European Commission’s Country Progress Report 2012, which says that Moldova made progress, but has yet a lot of work to do, is realistic. The statement was made after the March 21 meeting of Parliament, IPN reports.

”I think that such a report can be a surprise for those who looked at the European integration process and the evolution of the internal situation as idealists. If looking at the situation realistically, this report is positive in character, but points to a number of areas and problems on which we should concentrate,” said the Speaker. Asked to what extent the current political crisis may have influenced the report, Marian Lupu said he does not believe that the report would have looked differently if the misunderstandings within the government coalition hadn’t existed.

Marian Lupu also said that according to his information, in May or June it will be decided if the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine will be signed at the Eastern Partnership Summit. “We must not forget that Ukraine negotiated and initialed the agreement several years ago. It should sign it now. Moldova completed the negotiations this year. We will initial it and may sign it next year,” he stated.

Earlier, the Moldovan officials said that Moldova will sign the Association Agreement with the EU this autumn in Vilnius. Afterward, the new term was the start of next year.

According to the report, the Republic of Moldova made good progress in almost all areas of the Action Plan. However, in early 2013 a renewal of tensions within the ruling coalition, which led to the downfall of the Government, called political stabilization into question. Moldova is invited to continue to advance reforms in the justice and law enforcement systems, social assistance, health, education, and other areas.