European Parliament: Moldova should have prospects to join EU one day

The European Parliament on September 15 approved by a large majority its recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service to offer Moldova the prospect of joining the EU one day, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting ENPI Info Centre. A press release quoted European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek as saying that Moldova was moving towards its European vocation. “Through this vote, the European Parliament recognizes Moldova's growing importance in Europe and its significance and commitment to the European Union as a key partner. Moldova's success is important to the EU,” he said. Buzek said that he strongly welcomed the "more for more" approach, adding: “Greater political and financial support should be available for neighborhood countries which undertake reforms with vigor and determination.” The European Parliament President said Moldova had shown its strong commitment to reform in the last two years, but had important work ahead, “not only in strengthening democracy and the rule of law, but also fighting corruption and tackling the problem of poverty. To achieve those goals, it is necessary to achieve political stability as well as to elect the President.” The resolution, which contains a range of important landmarks for the future Moldova-EU relations, was put forward by MEP Sir Graham Watson, the European Parliament's Rapporteur for the EU- Moldova Association Agreement. It refers to paragraph 49 of the Treaty on European Union, which is about the possibility of joining the EU. It points out the dynamic character of the negotiations on the Association Agreement and positively refers to the dialogue on the liberalization of the visa regime. Also the MEPs back the launch of talks on the creation of a Free Trade Area by the end of this year. The European Parliament calls for a more robust and direct EU involvement in the political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict in accordance with the principle of territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. In a press release issued in the evening of September 15, the Moldovan Government welcomes the European Parliament’s recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the negotiations between the EU and the Republic of Moldova on the Association Agreement.