European Commission gives Moldova €94m to continue reforms

The European Commission is providing further funding to support reforms in Moldova. €94 million has been offered as part of the Annual Action Programme 2012, through the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), the European Commission said in a press release. The new funding will focus on reforming the administration of justice, enhancing local and regional development, improving the system of vocational education and training, as well as preparing ground for the new bilateral agreements with the EU. In the justice sector, the EU will support the government's efforts to build an independent, transparent and professional justice system able to contribute efficiently to the rule of law and the protection of human rights. With respect to regional development, the program will help Moldova to reduce the economic and social disparities among regions. In education, the EU will continue to support the reform of the vocational education and training system to adapt it to the actual labor needs of a functioning market economy. Finally, a Framework Program will provide technical assistance as necessary to help the Republic of Moldova to negotiate and implement its future agreements with the European Union and facilitate its participation in EU programs and agencies. Moldova is already an active member of the Eastern Partnership and the announcement of this new support confirms the EU's commitment to further supporting the country's reform process, says the EC's press release.