After the accomplishments obtained this year – the liberalization of the visa regime and the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU - a new stage begins now for Moldova, which includes true work, implementation of reforms and fulfillment of the conditions stipulated in the signed accord, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said in the annual Moldovan European Integration Debate Forum on September 16, IPN reports.
“The EU does not mean blockades. The EU means empowerment, real reforms. We want to see more investments made here, more workplaces for the Moldovan citizens, more progress in the fight against corruption and in the reform of the judicial system. There is yet a lot to be done,” said the ambassador, underlining that the messages about the work ahead transmitted to the people must be realistic. Everything is in the hands of Moldova, its people and the authorities must assume control over the destiny. “The EU offers access to the market in exchange for reforms. Everyone must meet the same standards as the European companies,” said Pirkka Tapiola.
He noted that the changes will take place in time and thus the EU accepted the Moldovan market to open gradually to the European products. “The EU wants Moldova to be a prosperous, rich country with a good future. The Association Agreement envisions the change of society from up to down and from down to up. This means responsible society,” stated Pirkka Tapiola. Referring to the development of regions, he said the EU will increase the assistance for Gagauzia and for Taraclia (which is populated mainly by Bulgarian ethnics).
The annual Moldovan European Integration Debate Forum was staged by the Foreign Police Association and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. It centered on the future priorities and challenges following the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, the justice sector reform, the fight against corruption, the independence of the media, etc.
