By ratifying the Association Agreement and adopting a resolution saying that this is not the last stage in the process of coming closer to the EU, the European Parliament showed to Moldova the path that it must follow for having a common, European future, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat said in a news conference held jointly with Latvian MEP Sandra Kalniete, who is the vice chair of the European People’s Party (EPP) Group in the European Parliament, responsible for the neighborhood policy, IPN reports.
“Europe does not have an alternative. What the opponents of the European integration propose will lead only to chaos. Denouncing or renegotiating the Association Agreement would be equal to betrayal of the country’s European vocation. In order to make progress on the path to European integration, Moldova can count on its European partners, while the PLDM – on the support of the PPE. The PLDM has always promoted the European integration and will remain its engine as it has an ambitious objective,” stated Vlad Filat.
For her part, Sandra Kalniete said the November 30 elections are important for Moldova and for the EU as well. Moldova’s European future will be decided on this day. “I’m proud that the European Parliament ratified the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement by a vast majority of votes. The fact that the Communist MEPs voted against is not surprising. The Association Agreement is a roadmap for Moldova to be able to apply for the status of EU member. The reforms initiated by the Liberal-Democratic government must continue. If Latvia managed to, Moldova will also do so,” she stated
Sandra Kalniete noted that the accord offers a multitude of opportunities and benefits and the Moldovan people are those who will have to decide. She expressed her conviction that society will want to go forward.
The Association Agreement between Moldova and the European Union will fully take effect when it is ratified by the national legislative bodies of the 28 member states of the EU. Seven EU member states have so far ratified the accord, namely Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, and Slovakia.
