European Commission offers €14m to Moldova for strengthening institutions

The European Commission will provide €14 million to Moldova for implementing the first phase of the Complex Institutional Strengthening Program. The financing agreement was signed by Prime Minister Vlad Filat and Ambassador Dirk Schuebel, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, on March 6, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The program aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of a limited number of central institutions that play a key role in the negotiation and implementation of the Association Agreement, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and the Visa Liberalization Agreement,” said the Premier. The institutions will benefit from support in drafting and reviewing national policies, the primary and secondary legislation on the reform of the public administration, the legal system and the internal affairs bodies, the creation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU. The Government of Moldova will co-finance 20% of the cost of the investment component that will be assessed in the process of identifying projects for financing within this program. “The signing and implementation of this agreement will contribute to the achievement of the set objectives and the fulfillment of the commitments we made, first of all to our citizens. This agreement is another proof of the constant support offered by the EU and an approval of the progress made by the Government in implementing the reforms undertaken for the country’s and the people’s benefit,” said Vlad Filat. Ambassador Dirk Schuebel reiterated that the European Union will continue to support Moldova in achieving the European integration objectives. He said the first phase of the Complex Institutional Strengthening Program includes technical assistance, Twinning programs and grants from the EU for improving the professional level of the Moldovan institutions with a view to preparing for the implementation of the three basic agreements negotiated by the EU and Moldova. “This program is open for co-financing and a number of EU member states already expressed readiness to join in,” stated Dirk Schuebel. The total value of the program is €41.6 million.