The political situation in the Republic of Moldova, the progress made and the shortcomings in the rapprochement with the EU were discussed in the European Parliament. Moldova’s Head of Parliament Andrian Candu took part in the meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs where he answered MEPs’ questions about the political developments in the country. The debates involved members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee.
According to the Speaker, for Moldova to become again a leader in the Eastern Partnership, a series of profound structural reforms need to be implemented as soon as possible. The priorities include the implementation of the Association Agreement, the justice sector reform, improvement of the situation in the financial-banking sector, connection of the national energy system to the EU’s, creation of a favorable business environment and efficient fighting of corruption.
“The confidence of the people and foreign partners can be restored only by actions and structural reforms,” stated Andrian Candu. He noted that Moldova’s Parliament adopted the legislative program to fulfill the commitments assumed within the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU and a specialized agency will be set up to coordinate all the bodies involved in the implementation of the accord.
As to the political situation in the country, Andrian Candu said that a pro-European parliamentary coalition will be soon formed and this will invest the Government and will resume the discussions with the International Monetary Fund. Early parliamentary elections are excluded as is the formation of a coalition with the parties that do not support the European perspective of Moldova.
MEP Andi Cristea said the EU supported and continues to support the Republic of Moldova, but is now criticized for supporting an unreformed country. “Chisinau had a window of opportunities that now seems to be closed,” stated the head of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee.
The European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Moldova Petras Auštrevičius encouraged the Moldovan authorities to continue the reforms so as to come closer to the EU. “We want a Republic of Moldova committed towards a European perspective. The EU does not want an additional regional crisis and we do not want the Republic of Moldova to be heading for such a crisis,” he stated.
