The Republic of Moldova is one of the countries that benefit from large European assistance. The European support is conditional and the conditions are strict – rule of law, respect for the democratic standards and corruption fighting. All the corruptible practices must be a thing of the past and powerful determination is needed in this regard, but this does not yet exist. The European Union cannot substitute the Government of Moldova in the actions that need to be taken, stated Deputy Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia at the European External Action Service Luc Devigne, who is paying a visit to Chisinau in connection with the EU-Moldova Association Committee, IPN reports.
In a news conference, Luc Devigne said that on the fifth anniversary of the coming into force of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, success is ascertained and this success is confirmed by figures, such as the fact that 75% of Moldova’s exports go to the European Union. The EU – Moldova Association Agreement represents the most profound form of political association and economic integration. “It goes beyond trade. This is related to principles, values, rule of law, human rights, supremacy of the law. Delivered results are also required, not only commitments,” noted the European official.
According to him, the EU definitely expects the national authorities to further deal with corruption, to ensure the de-politicization of state institutions so as to this way strengthen the rule of law. This has an impact on the business sector, the investment climate that should be improved.
It is expected that the measures to fight fraudulent schemes will be stepped up and that steps will be taken to solve the bank fraud. It is not normal for the European partners to hear only excuses and pretexts in five years, after such a thorough investigation conducted by Kroll. It is not normal that no decisions were taken and this fact points to a problem in the judicial system, stated Luc Devigne.
He also said that the Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the legal system works. The justice sector reform should take place in a transparent way, by engaging cavil society, the opposition and by taking into account the recommendations of the Venice Commission. “A reform that does not secure consensus does nothing but serve particular interests and is not a broad reform,” said the European official, noting the ensuring of media pluralism should also be a priority.
Luc Devigne stated that the criteria according to which macro-financial assistance is released, including the rule of law, will be assessed in an objective way.
Attending the conference, EU Ambassador to Moldova Peter Michalko said the conditionality aspect has been more intensely discussed. He reminded of the period when the EU had to stop particular payments in the form of budget support, for the justice sector reform, because this reform wasn’t implemented. The real implementation influences the capacity to support the state, based on the “more for more” principle. The EU is very well controlled, at several levels. “We do not provide money beforehand. If assistance is offered, this is released only based on what is done. If there is a pre-financing tranche, this is disbursed only based on guarantees and if things are not done as they should, this pre-financing is taken back. It is a system that works. I don’t know if the money in Moldova’s budget is so well monitored,” stated the official.
