Now that the Republic of Moldova obtained the EU candidate status, real decentralization, both financial and structural, of the local public authorities (LPAs) should take place, said mayor of Chisinau Ion Ceban. According to him, there are now no excuses for delaying the implementation of the structural reforms needed by the Republic of Moldova, IPN reports.

“We want to see a real fight against corruption, not the mimicking of this process. We are waiting for real decentralization of the local public authorities, both financial and structural, and for the autonomy of the local authorities to be ensured as this is the driving force of local development. Both the central and the local public authorities should work to improve the quality of life of the population of the Republic of Moldova,” wrote the mayor.

The Republic of Moldova submitted an application for EU membership on March 3, following the example of Ukraine and Georgia. European Council President Charles Michel announced the decision to grant Moldova and Ukraine the EU candidate status on June 23 at a summit in Brussels, calling it a historic moment. “Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU,” Michel said. “Our future is together.”