The implementation by the Republic of Moldova of the Association Agreement with the European Union presents a mixed picture, with results and with shortcomings. In Chisinau, the Europeans see dialogue partners that wish to do reforms. But it is important for the Moldovan authorities to make a priority of the more difficult processes, such as the justice sector reform, MEP Andi Cristea, co-chairman of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee, stated in a news conference after the sixth meeting of the Committee that was held in Chisinau on April 5, IPN reports.
According to the MEP, important progress is made in the Republic of Moldova, in such areas as the administrative reform, measures for the business sector and social measures, stabilization of the banking sector, measures to fight bank frauds, and energy security. In connection with the electoral year, Andi Cristea said the Europeans are interested to see the continuation of reforms and a clear perspective of the European course after the elections. They also want the pro-European forces in the country to transmit a message of stability and continuity.
Speaking about the disbursement of the first installment of the EU macro-financial assistance of €100 million, the MEP said that after taking notice of the opinion of the Venice Commission, the European Commission is in a process of analysis. He expressed his conviction that Moldova will receive good news in the shortest period of time. “I can confirm that the ten technical conditions for providing the first installment of the macro-financial assistance were fulfilled by Moldova. It is a matter of time. If it had depended on me, the financial assistance would have been disbursed long ago. Probably, it is about a political message that the EU has the duty to deliver to support the current pro-European course of the Republic of Moldova. I express my confidence that the first installment will come before the mayoral elections that will take place in Chisinau,” stated Andi Cristea.
MP Eugen Carpov, co-chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on behalf of Moldova, said that despite less optimistic opinions about the disbursement of the funds existing in the public sphere, it is certain that the EU acts based on regulations and firsthand information. Effort is being made to solve most of the problems so that the decision to allocate the money is taken as swiftly as possibly.
A statement with recommendations will be adopted at the end of the meeting. The previous meeting of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee was held in Strasbourg in October 2017.
