Moldova should convince skeptics that visa-free regime is necessary, European official
Moldova has very many friends in Europe, but some of the states are warier and the Moldovans should convince the skeptics that they need a liberalized visa regime, political officer of the EU Delegation to Moldova Dirk Lorenz said in a press club meeting in Chisinau on Thursday evening, Info-Prim Neo reports.
The EU keeps its promises and if the country fulfills its obligations, it obtains a visa-free regime, said the official, stressing the importance of implementing the Plan of Action on the Liberalization of the Visa Regime between Moldova and the EU. “Emphasis should be late not on the date, but on the content of reforms,” said Dirk Lorenz.
According to the European official, the reforms included in the Plan of Action do not represent only criteria for obtaining a liberalized visa regime, but also common interest towards the progress made in carrying out reforms.
Daniela Morari, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, said the Government is to approve the national plan of action for implementing the Plan of Action with the EU in the shortest period of time. “The deadlines are tight. We are to submit the plan of action to the European partners for coordination next week. Afterward, it will be adopted,” Daniela Morari said.
Liberal MP Vlad Lupan said combating of corruption should be a priority. According to him, political stability is needed in order to be able to implement reforms.
Victor Chirila, executive director of the Foreign Policy Association, said not only the Government, but all the people are responsible for fulfilling the Plan of Action on the Liberalization of the Visa Regime
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom handed over the Plan of Action on the Liberalization of the Visa Regime to the Government of Moldova on January 24. The document specifies the technical conditions that must be fulfilled by the Moldovan authorities. Among the conditions are the implementation of biometric passports, combating of organized crime and corruption and others.