The Republic of Moldova made particular progress during the past two years, but the commenced reforms should be continued and implemented correctly. Discussing the relationship with Moldova, the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union on February 26 reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening political association and economic integration between the EU and Moldova by working in close partnership, on the basis of the Association Agreement that entered into force in July 2016, IPN reports.
In its conclusions, the Council recalls that the EU remains committed to supporting progress in reforms which are needed to ensure that the citizens of Moldova reap the benefits of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
Ahead of the upcoming elections, the Council expresses its regret that the new electoral law does not address some of the key recommendations of the joint opinion of the Council of Europe Venice Commission and the OSCE/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, recalling that transparent, inclusive and credible elections at central and local level are of key importance.
The Council also recalls that media freedom and pluralism are prerequisites for a democratic society and urges Moldova to pursue reforms which address the concentration of media ownership and guarantee media freedom and pluralism.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said the main message of the conclusions adopted by the Council is that the EU reaffirms its support for Moldova. On the other hand, for this support to be credible, the Moldovan authorities should make clear moves in the fight against corruption, in the justice sector reform and in the economy.
The Council underlines that renewed efforts should be urgently dedicated to a more decisive fight against corruption with tangible results, and that this should be accompanied by a thorough reform of the judiciary, including the prosecution service. It also underlines that this reform process should include thorough, impartial and comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of all those involved in the massive banking fraud that was exposed in 2014.
