President Maia Sandu said the citizens of the Republic of Moldova offered her a strong anti-corruption mandate and her election as President is a first step towards strengthening a really European democracy in Moldova. “The implementation of the reforms we planned will be possible after snap elections and after the formation of a functional government,” Maia Sandu stated after the meeting with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, IPN reports.
In a post on Facebook, Maia Sandu said the citizens of the Republic of Moldova during many years could see that the EU has always been near them, both in good and in more difficult times. The cooperation with the EU has brought concrete benefits. The Free Trade Agreement with the EU enabled to increase the commercial exchanges, to create jobs and to increase Moldova’s resistance to both domestic and foreign economic shocks. The cooperation with the EU is essential for Moldova for strengthening institutions and for alleviating the effects of the economic crisis.
In another development, President Sandu said that she and her interlocutor discussed the importance of ensuring swift access to COVID-19 vaccines for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and the necessity of supplying the health system with protection equipment, the importance of offering financial assistance to Moldova during the next few years and of the Eastern Partnership for coming closer to the European values and standards. Ursula von der Leyen assured that Moldova can further bank on the EU’s assistance in the vaccination of citizens and on continuous financial support to do the planned reforms.
In the meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, the European official welcomed the President’s strong focus on and mandate for reforms, strengthening the rule of law and tackling corruption, and assured her of the EU’s full support in this endeavor, which is key to bringing tangible benefits to the lives of Moldovan people. They also discussed internal developments and the need for decisive and effective steps to regain the trust of Moldovan citizens in state institutions, to build a strong and independent judiciary and ensure a stable financial and banking sector.
Regarding the challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell underlined the EU’s commitment to help ensuring that coronavirus vaccines are accessible to all, including in the EU’s immediate neighborhoods. Furthermore, additional EU assistance, in particular through the World Health Organization, can be used by the Moldovan authorities to be adequately prepared for the coronavirus vaccination campaign. The High Representative reiterated the EU’s commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable settlement process within the framework of the 5+2 process and reaffirmed its steadfast support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within internationally recognized borders.
