The Association Agreement is the best known agreement that Moldova has concluded until now. This accord is the most important in Moldova’s history as it lays the solid foundations of the country’s European future, said Head of Parliament Igor Corman. According tot him, after President Nicolae Timofti transmits the relevant bill to Parliament, he will propose it for ratification next week, as a matter of urgency.
Within a survey conducted by IPN among lawmakers, Igor Corman said the procedures are very clear and he sees no technical-legal obstacles to ratifying the accord next week. Furthermore, the pro-European coalition has the majority of votes needed for ratifying it. “It will be good if we reach a broader political consensus. That’s why we continue to discuss not only with the colleagues from the pro-European coalition, but also with those from the opposition,” he stated.
The Speaker added he knows that not long after the signature, the legislative bodies of Romania and Latvia intend to ratify the Associations Agreement between Moldova and the EU, on July 3. The legislature of Estonia is expected to do the same. “Consequently, it is a matter of honor and image for Moldova’s Parliament to ratify this agreement,” he said.
He also said that studies made by independent experts show that after the Association Agreement is signed, Moldova’s exports to the EU will increased by 16%, while the country’s GDP by 5.4%. “We speak about a market of about 500 million consumers with clear rules. This treaty, with its political and economic elements, is beneficial to Moldova and offers our producers a period of transition for increasing the competitiveness of our products, with the possibility of renegotiating provisions, if need be,” stated Igor Corman.
According to the Speaker, projects with the support of the EU and the development partners are already being implemented in Moldova’s settlements. There are many building sites in the country. After the agreement is signed, there will be more possibilities for accessing European funds. The EU will support Moldova by providing grants and loans for small and medium-sized companies. The ENPARD program, designed to support the Moldovan farmers, is to be rolled out this year.
Igor Corman said things will not change overnight. Some of the benefits will be seen earlier, while others later, but there is no other alternative for modernizing the country. “We will continue to focus on the internal reforms and the modernization of the state institutions so that the people feel the changes, including in their families,” he noted.
The Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU will be signed in Brussels today, June 27.
