The Association Agreement between Moldova and the European Union is expected to be signed this summer. The ceremony could take place in Brussels or, Athens, as Greece holds the EU presidency, or even in Chisinau. It depends on the politicians' dedication, said Natalia Gherman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, quoted by IPN.
The official told a talk-show on Radio Moldova that 2013 wasn't an easy year for Moldovan diplomacy, but thanks to an extraordinary effort, the negotiations for the Association Agreement were successfully finalized. “We enjoyed the support and direct contribution of all our partners. The final stage of negotiations was the most complicated”, noted the Minister.
Natalia Gherman is optimistic about Moldovans' chances of obtaining a positive decision regarding the annulment of EU travel visas in the first half of this year. “Our European partners regard us as a young, democratic, European country who chose the most efficient model of modernization and transformation – that of the EU”, said the Minister.
According to her, Moldova is seen as one of the hopes of the Eastern Partnership and this implies even more responsibility on the part of politicians. “We need reforms in justice and in the fight against corruption. We need transparency in government and strict observance of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of each citizen”, said the official.
Moldova is also negotiating the Association Agenda with the EU. The next round will take place on January 16. Gherman specified that this is a technical document, an implementation plan of the Association Agreement for the next 3 years. “We are engaged in a dialogue with the EU regarding the main fields of assistance. The discussion is progressing well. For the following period, we identified the justice reform as a crucial field. The second one is that of energy. We need both the EU expertise and substantial assistance”, said Gherman.
The Foreign Minister added that this year, as planned, the construction of Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline will be finalized. The process is taking some time because it requires the rehabilitation of domestic infrastructure in the field, she explained.
