The Association Agreement with the European Union represents a framework for reforms and this can become functional only if it is implemented. If we look at all the things done until now, these were real and done indeed, said the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola. In an interview for Radio Free Europe, the official stated he has yet the impression that it wasn’t understood exactly what an Association Agreement with the EU means and what this accord for Moldova and for its relations with the EU means, IPN reports.

Pirkka Tapiola said that if you assume particular responsibilities, it does not mean that you also fulfill them as assuming does not mean fulfilling implicitly. When it is about reforms related to migration, hidden interests or the interests of someone particular are not noticed. But when it is about the reform of the investment climate, which since 2009 has worsened dramatically, about corruption or the economic reforms, the more reforms are done in this regard, the narrower becomes the area for achieving particular interests.

“A question appears thus: is there real political will for implementing the necessary, truly European reforms? What we want is to see a flourishing society, a flourishing and prosperous country with economic and social welfare, a society that would not allow polarization in a stable and prosperous region. It is not about geopolitical aspects. It is about transformation,” stated the diplomat.

Pirkka Tapiola said the development partners can offer assistance, but cannot do reforms instead of the politicians for whom the people voted. “That’s why when we say that the EU should intervene and say who should occupy particular posts or say exactly what should be done in the Republic of Moldova, this is not necessarily our philosophy because our philosophy is based on the respect for a sovereign state,” he stated.

The ambassador noted that Moldova should really undertake reforms and do changes as regards the freedom of the media. To change life, it is important to switch from the so-called ‘negative agenda’, “when I do not want one thing or another” to the ‘positive agenda’, “when I assume responsibility because I want to do this”. Democratic changes are needed and when this transition occurs, things start to happen.