Moldova has implemented the visa liberalization plan of action and managed to meet all the conditions required for enjoying a liberalized visa regime. Work is yet to be done to implement the justice sector reform, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman said after having a discussion with the mission of European experts who came to Chisinau to monitor and assess the implementation of the second phase of the visa liberalization plan of action by Moldova, IPN reports.
“We had a very transparent and open dialogue. Both of the sides are interested in instituting a liberated visa regime for Moldovans,” said Natalia Gherman. She added it is very important that the final report of the mission be presented officially before the Vilnius EaP Summit so that the process is not delayed and the European countries propose abolishing the visa regime for Moldova at the summit.
Director General of the Directorate for Home Affairs of the European Commission Stefano Manservisi said that Moldova achieved good results, but it is very important that the shortcomings concerning the reform in the legal system be removed so that the fight against corruption and the justice reform are not only a check mark in a document, but also a real result. He warned about the necessity of ensuring the independence of judges and of the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Stefano Manservisi also said that the visa liberalization plan of action suggested by the European Commission is first of all a national reform agenda that will help the people to benefit from free movement in the EU, the Commission being only a partner that helps Moldova reach the standards that will improve the living conditions and development level of the people. “Moldova honors its obligations and meets the conditions included in this plan of action,” he stated.
Moldova initiated the dialogue on the liberalization of the visa regime with the EU in June 2010. The plan of action was approved in January 2011.
