Moldova moves towards the EU in good tempo, European parliamentarian

Euro-parliamentarian Monica Luisa Macovei, co-chairman of the Committee for Parliamentary Cooperation between Moldova and the EU, thinks Moldova is moving towards European integration in a good tempo. She stresses that it is important for authorities to implement the adopted laws properly and to continue the initiated reforms, Info-Prim Neo reports. Monica Luisa Macovei declared during a press conference in Chisinau, on Tuesday, October 30, that next autumn, Moldova is expected to finalize the negotiations regarding the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and the Agreement of Association with the EU. The European parliamentarian has some recommendations for the authorities. First, she thinks the law should stipulate the mechanism of financing political parties. “We saw the draft law proposed for public debates. I think it should be adopted in order to prevent political corruption, when some people fund parties to obtain functions. This leads to public offices being occupied by people who don’t deserve them”, said Monica Luisa Macovei. The Euro-parliamentarian also spoke about the need to adapt a new version of the Broadcasting Code in order to ensure transparency regarding the owners of mass media institutions. Moldova should also demilitarize prosecutors. As regards the initiative to strip judges of immunity when suspected of corruption, the European official said that any person should be susceptible to investigation, regardless of office, without anyone’s permission. Another suggestion is for Moldovan authorities to give up compulsory military service, as in many European countries. During her visit in Moldova, Monica Luisa Macovei and other European parliamentarians traveled to the Transnistrian region. “I was impressed by the situation of schools in the region. I talked to teachers and children and saw how difficult it is for them to study in Romanian. We’ll continue to monitor the situation of these institutions”, she said. Monica Luisa Macovei came to Chisinau for the 16th meeting of the Committee for Parliamentary Cooperation between Moldova and the EU.