The MEPs who gave speeches in the plenary of the European Parliament before the decision on the abolition of the visa requirements for Moldovans was to be put to the vote, said the Moldovans deserve travelling without visas to the EU. According to them, the assessment reports of the European Commission showed that the country fulfilled its commitments and has implemented reforms. The decision will be debated at about 1pm, Moldova’s time, IPN reports.
MEP Monica Macovei said that it is a historical day for the Moldovan citizens. It is a reward for the efforts made by the people and the pro-European governments since 2009. “I’m happy that the Moldovan citizens will very soon travel freely in the EU. They are welcome in the EU and we are waiting for them with the open heart,” she stated.
Marian-Jean Marinescu said the pro-European alliance from Chisinau resisted the great pressure exerted at internal and foreign levels. It is important to be sure that Moldova will remain committed on its European path. The 5+2 format of the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks should be reviewed as the previous negotiations didn’t produce the expected results. “Russia must pull out its troops from the Transnistrian region. The Moldovan citizens must decide by themselves the road that they want to follow,” stated the MEP.
Renate Weber said that over the last few months Moldova has been subject to pressure by Russia. However, the Government of Moldova promoted the European values, implemented and continues to implement difficult reforms.
Nikola Vuljanic stated that the visa regime is a system that can improve the way the European Union behaves towards the rest of the world. “We must treat the others as we want others to treat us. We should have bilateral relations with third countries,” he underlined.
Jaroslav Paška said Moldova is a very good example. Owing to the made progress and the done reforms, it is now close to obtaining a visa-free regime. As to the situation in Ukraine, he stated that the Ukrainian citizens exerted huge pressure on the authorities in Kiev so that the European path is restored and the EU should thus recompense the Ukrainians for this.
