Moldova is on the European Union’s agenda of priorities and 2013 will be of special importance in the European integration process and in developing the prospects until the Eastern Partnership Summit of Vilnius, Prime Minister designate Vlad Filat said in a news conference on April 20, after a meeting with the Vice President of the European Parliament Jacek Protasiewicz and MEP Monica Macovei, who heads the delegation to the Moldova – EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, IPN reports.
In the meeting, the officials voiced hope that the Visa Liberalization Agreement, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and the Association Agreement with the EU will be signed as soon as possible. “We made known our expectations of this process and listened to European partners’ viewpoints on the internal political process. I consider that this is a visit of solidarity and support expressed to Moldova,” said Vlad Filat.
Jacek Protasiewicz said the Moldova-EU relations are important for the European Parliament and the prospect of signing the three agreements shows that the EU is interested in Moldova. “This week, the European Parliament accepted amendments to the visa facilitation agreement. The signing of this agreement means that you are welcome in the EU and that together we can achieve more. This year is a crucial one for Moldova in coming closer to the EU. The initiation of the Association Agreement is an essential step for bringing Moldova closer to the EU,” he stated.
For her part, Monica Macovei expressed her hope that a new pro-European government will contribute to the signing of the three agreements. “Your country is on a very good road to the EU. It is a champion. This road should not stop. We came to tell you that we care about what is going on and consider that a new, pro-European government should be formed as quickly as possible,” she stated. The MEP called on the political leaders to put the country’s interest above the personal and party interests as only this way can the Moldovans obtain a visa-free regime with the EU in 2014.
