The political and economic development of Moldova is hampered by system and high-level corruption, shows the 2014 European Neighborhood Policy Progress Report for Moldova that was presented on March 30. The Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola told a news conference that less progress was made in 2014 compared with the previous years, IPN reports.

Pirkka Tapiola noted that corruption remains a major issue, with the most vulnerable sectors being the legal system, customs, public procurement, health sector, social sphere and education. The authorities are recommended to intensify the fight against corruption as well as to focus on corruption prevention. It is important that the authorities wok on the reform of the Public Prosecutor´s office and of the justice sector and ensure the complete independence of the National Anticorruption Center and the National Integrity Commission.

The ambassador said that the head of state’s term in office expires in 2016 and, judging by the previous experience, a deadlock could be again experienced. It is recommended preventing the resurgence of institutional deadlocks by revising the Constitution. This process should be conducted in an inclusive manner and in consultation with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.

According to Pirkka Tapiola, effort should be made to improve the business climate, ensure equitable conditions for all the economic entities, enhance economic competitiveness and combat underground economy. It is also recommended making considerable progress in doing the justice sector reform, continuously and efficiently implementing the Justice Sector Reform Stagey and continuing the reformation of the Ministry of the Interior and other bodies.

Another recommendation is to continue to strengthen the freedom of the media by ensuring transparency of media ownership and the independence of the Broadcasting Coordination Council and by adopting a new Broadcasting Code. It is also recommended taking steps to improve corporate governance and oversight in the financial sector, by, inter alia, strengthening shareholder transparency and the supervisory powers of the national bank in the banking sector.