The European Commission’s nine recommendations that came with Moldova being granted EU candidate status are 80% fulfilled, estimates MP Alina Dandara of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). According to her, extensive efforts are being made to implement the conditions related to the justice reform so that accession negotiations can begin by the end of this year.
“We are nearing completion. By mid-June we will have a good result so as to present a positive technical report. Now the progress bar is at 80%. We still have work to do in the field of justice, but with small but sure steps, we are confident that we will overcome the impediments. The resolution of the European Parliament reaffirms the support that we enjoy from the European Union. Two years ago, the Republic of Moldova chose the path of democracy, but there are forces that are trying to destabilize our internal peace through hybrid warfare. But the European Union is helping us to fight the effects of this hybrid war and to fight against fakes”, said Alina Dandara during a Radio Moldova talk show.
Her fellow panelist, political commentator Ion Tăbârță, noted that the European Parliament’s resolution is only a political recommendation. According to the expert, the decision on the start of accession negotiations will be a pragmatic one, strictly based on the ability of the Republic of Moldova to fulfil its obligations towards the European Union.
“It is a document of political nature. This resolution recommends the institutions of the European Union to start accession negotiations, with the specification that the Republic of Moldova must meet all the conditions. The document proves that the European Union is open to the notion of Moldova’s membership. The ball is in our court. It depends on us how we do our homework. This resolution of the European Parliament makes us optimistic, but we must remain realistic and understand that things must be done inside the Republic of Moldova”, said the pundit.
On April 18, the European Parliament’s budget committee approved 145 million euros in macro-financial assistance to Moldova. The next day, the European Parliament passed a resolution requesting the start of EU accession negotiations for Moldova by the end of 2023, when the Commission’s 9 recommendations are expected to be fulfilled. The resolution was adopted with 555 votes in favor, 49 against and 26 abstentions.
