In the preamble to the Association Agreement with the EU, which is to be initialed at the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit, Moldova is recognized as a European country whose history and values are common with those of the EU member states. The European Union welcomes the country’s choice, including the commitment to develop sustainable democracy and a market economy, IPN reports, quoting the Association Agreement Guide, which is a publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.
The political association and economic integration of Moldova into the EU will depend on the progress made in implementing the Association Agreement and the results achieved by Moldova in ensuring the respect for the common values and progress in convergence with the political, economic and legal sectors of the EU, reads the text of the document.
The first title of the accord covers general principles, the respect for the democratic principles, human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. It envisions the promotion of the respect for such principles as sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and independence, and combating of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Another title of the agreement refers to the political dialogue and reforms, cooperation in foreign policy and security. The goal of the political dialogue will be to extend the political association.
The third title concerns justice, freedom and security. The EU and Moldova pledge to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation in migration, asylum, and border management.
The next title refers to the economic and sector cooperation, while the fifth title to trade and commercial aspects concerning the economic integration and the creation of the Free Trade Area. The EU will be the main economic partner of Moldova, which will absorb 45% of the country’s external trade.
The final provisions concern the EU – Moldova Association Council, which is the highest cooperation platform. The Council will be assisted by the Association Committee. The Association Agreement envisions an institutional cooperation platform at parliamentary level, especially by setting up the Parliamentary Association Committee. Another important element is the holding of regular meetings of representatives of civil society. There will be created a civil society platform that will make recommendations to the Association Council.
The text of the Association Agreement will be made public in several weeks after the ratification.
