The reform process in the Republic of Moldova, macro-financial assistance from the European Union and the draft law to modify the electoral system were the main subjects discussed in Brussels by Prime Minister Pavel Filip and the President of European Council Donald Tusk, IPN reports, quoting the Government’s press service.

“We will adopt a pragmatic, realistic and constructive approach. The appropriate implementation of the Association Agreement and the fact that we removed some of the shortcomings make us be more ambitious and determined to achieve the objectives at the European level,” stated the Premier.

Pavel Filip underlined the importance of the EU’s macro-financial assistance, of continuing the budget support and the relations with the IMF. The Premier asked not to make a direct connection between the provision of the macro-financial assistance and the replacement of the electoral system because the Government and the European Commission fulfilled all the jointly agreed preconditions in this regard. He noted that this assistance is very importance for the Republic of Moldova, being designed for the implementation of reforms.

Pavel Filip welcomed the recent approval of the agreement providing macro-financial assistance by the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade and expressed his confidence that the European legislature will take a positive decision in this respect.

As to the recommendations of the Venice Commission concerning the bill to change the electoral system, the Premier said broad discussions will be held on this and most of the recommendations will be taken into account so as to meet all the democratic norms and to avoid any type of abuse in elections.

For his part, Donald Tusk welcomed Moldova’s constant commitment to implement the European project and encouraged the Government of Moldova to further make effort to ensure the irreversibility of this course.