The cooperation with the EU in the context of the regional development policy and Moldova’s participation in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) were discussed by Prime Minister Pavel Filip and European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creru in a meeting in Brussels on March 31. The Premier informed about Moldova’s interest in strengthening the financial instruments available within the EUSDR, IPN reports.
The EU official encouraged Moldova to use the Association Agreement’s mechanisms for developing regional projects. “I assure you that you will find a dialogue partner in my person. The most important thing is to have administrative capacity to absorb the EU funds,” stated Corina Cretu.
For his part, Pavel Filip noted that Moldova is further interested in working out and developing joint projects with the EU in such areas as energy efficiency, interconnection of the communications and energy resources, environment protection and sustainable development. At the end of the meeting, the Premier invited Corina Cretu to pay a visit to Moldova and the invitation was accepted.
Pavel Filip also had a meeting with Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn. The Premier welcomed the constant support provided by the EU, noting the report on the implementation of the Moldova – EU Association Agenda compiled by the European Union confirmed the progress made by the Moldovan authorities in 2016 and set out a list of priorities for the immediate period. “The conclusions of the EU mainly coincide with ours. Many things were done, but there are yet areas where more effort is needed, including the ensuring of independence of justice and fight against corruption. There will be implemented a series of priority reforms, including the public administration reform,” stated the Premier.
The interlocutors agreed to continue the discussions during Commissioner Johannes Hahn’s visit to Chisinau this July, on the sidelines of the informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers of Eastern Partnership member states that will be hosted by Moldova.
