Moldova could become a member of the EU when progress is made in several areas, but this process will not take a year or two, Janis Mazeiks, head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, told a news conference.
According to Janis Mazeiks, the Republic of Moldova will have to clean up the judiciary, eradicate corruption and fight organized crime. Moving forward on this will depend very much on the Moldovan Government and Parliament, he added.
Janis Mazeiks said that June 17 is a historic day for the Republic of Moldova, a day when the European Commission recommended the EU states to support Moldova’s application for EU membership. “It is beyond what people expected, all the credit in this regard must go to the people of the Republic of Moldova”, added Janis Mazeiks.
The European Commission has presented its opinions on the applications for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. The Commission’s opinions are based on an assessment of political and economic progress, as well as on the ability of the countries to fulfill their EU membership obligations.
With regard to Moldova, the European Commission concludes that the country has a solid basis for ensuring the stability of institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities. Macroeconomic policies have been fairly robust and progress has been made in strengthening the financial sector and the business environment, but key economic reforms remain to be undertaken. The country has created a solid basis for further alignment with the EU law.
The applications for EU membership of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova will be discussed at the next European Council on 23 and 24 June.
