The Republic of Moldova is part of Europe and the Moldovans are European citizens who deserve to benefit from the same rights and freedoms as the EU citizens, Prime Minister Vlad Filat said in a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communiqué from the Government. The Premier said that Moldova is committed to implementing the agreements reached earlier with the EU. He stressed the importance of the coming year for the Moldova-EU relations as the Association Agreement with the EU, which envisions the creation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, is to be signed in 2013. Herman van Rompuy approved of the progress made by Moldova on the path to European integration during the last two years and assured that Brussels will continue to support the country. The two officials also spoke about the Moldova – EU cooperation in the energy sector. Vlad Filat mentioned the steps taken by Moldova in this respect and the future projects.