“The European Union is aware of the challenges that the Moldovan Government could face. Putting the government program into practice will be a difficult task, but the Republic of Moldova can count on the support of the European Union, both politically, and probably now more importantly, financially”, stated the EU’s Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn. During press statements made in Brussels alongside Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu, Johannes Hahn said that EU funds for Moldova can be rapidly mobilized once conditions are met, particularly in terms of respect for rule of law, judicial reform and plurality of the media.
The Commissioner said that the EU was glad to see that the transition to a new government took place peacefully. Hahn noted that already during his visit to Chisinau on June 19 he congratulated Maia Sandu and the entire government for working constructively and coherently throughout the crisis that unfolded earlier that month. “Speaking about this excellent cooperation, I would also mention the President (Igor Dodon) and his team, because I believe everybody tried to do his or her best in order to guarantee this peaceful transition. In was pleased to see in the past weeks this strong commitment that Ms. Sandu’s Government has shown to pursue decisively the reform agenda based on the Association Agreement,” said the European Commissioner, adding that the Association Council will assemble at the beginning of autumn to effectively relaunch cooperation.
Johannes Hahn said he had with Maia Sandu a frank and constructive exchange on the state of play in Moldova and the Moldovan Government’s biggest challenges ahead. “As the European Union, we are ready to work with the Moldovan Government on the basis of mutual commitment and respect for the core principles enshrined in our Association Agreement.
“It is now time for the Republic of Moldova to look forward. We appreciate the prime minister’s intention to press ahead with the reforms, including those previously discussed with the European Union. I am especially glad to see the focus on depoliticizing and strengthening the independence of state institutions, particularly the judiciary and the (institutions that) fight against corruption,” said Johannes Hahn.
Prime Minister Maia Sandu thanked the European Union for its principled position, which played a key role in convincing the previous government to leave peacefully and not to try to cling to power through brute force and repression. “Moldova faces today a difficult task – to rebuild democratic institutions and restore people’s confidence in their own state. Our institutions and people’s trust in them have been badly damaged by mismanagement, foul play, corruption, state-sponsored fraud and contraband. Today Moldova needs a fresh start,” said Maia Sandu, adding that the abuses of the previous government will be properly investigated.
“We will defeat a corrupt system that turned Moldova into a gray zone welcoming to smugglers, but inhospitable to its own citizens. We are not driven by revenge. We want to build a future, not seek retribution. We want to bring honest professionals into key executive and judicial jobs. We want to create a Prosecutor’s Office that investigates and not condones crime. We want a justice sector that functions with integrity and public trust and that can open the gate to investment,” stated Maia Sandu.
She went on to add that Moldova’s European path and the Association Agreement with the European Union remain the cornerstone of the effort to build a modern country. “The European Union gave us several chances to become a European democracy that it responsive to the needs and desires of its citizens. We haven’t fully used these opportunities. Today we are not asking for any advance payments, but to support our democratic transformation. I am here to fully restore cooperation with the EU which was frozen because of the previous government’s corruption and fraud,” said Maia Sandu.
Maia Sandu’s visit to Brussels follows up her first prime ministerial visit, which she made to Bucharest on Monday and where she met with President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă. In Brussels, the Moldovan prime minister plans to meet with European Council President Donald Tusk and NATO officials.
