Moldova needs clear a European prospect in order to continue to implement the planned reforms. The Government of Moldova makes effort to convince the more distant European capitals to offer the Moldovans this prospect, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said in the program “Public Area” on Radio Moldova, IPN reports.
The Premier said the European Commissioner for Enlargement Štefan Füle has always pleaded for offering clear European prospects to the Eastern Partnership countries. “Moldova cannot become a successful country if it does not have such a prospect. Four years ago, the European capitals were very distant, but now their attitude has changed,” said Iurie Leanca. He added that not all the 28 European capitals are ready to offer a clear European prospect to the Moldovans, but the EU may soon reach the conclusion that if this prospect is not given, the Government of Moldova will not have enough instruments to convince the Euro-skeptics.
According to the Premier, the Moldovans will travel visa-free in the EU from May and this is important because the people will understand that if we do our homework, we will enjoy benefits. “Several years ago, nobody believed that we will obtain this liberalized regime. The same may happen with the European prospect. I was in The Hague. The Netherlands now opposes the enlargement of the EU. They told us that we must show that we are Europeans at home,” he stated.
Speaking about the economic growth of almost 9% obtained last year, Iurie Leanca said many analyses show that when the Free Trade Area between Moldova and the EU is created, the economic growth will be plus 4-5%. “The Government’s efforts are aimed at preparing the Moldovan entrepreneurs for exporting to the EU. Today we cannot export such products as milk, meat and eggs to the EU. When we have access to this market, the foreign investors will be more interested in these areas. We do not yet produce competitive vegetables. Our products must be packed according to European standards,” said the Premier.
He also said there are many rumors about the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU in Moldova. “Yesterday I heard that a priest in a village told the people that if we sign the accord, we will have to embrace Catholicism,” stated Iurie Leanca.
The Government constituted teams of specialists who go to settlements and speak with everyone there – farmers, pensioners and public servants – about the benefits of the association with the EU. On March 21, these groups will meet with the Prime Minister to tell him their first impressions.
