“The Republic of Moldova remains firmly determined to do reforms and to implement the Moldova –European Union Association Agreement,” Prime Minister Pavel Filip stated in the plenary meeting of the fifth Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit. The Premier said the Republic of Moldova abides by the values of democracy and the rule of law and is determined to cover all the stages of the European road, IPN reports.
The Premier said the Moldovan authorities, together with the EU, concentrate their efforts on identifying new sources of economic growth by stimulating small and medium-sized businesses and attracting investment. At multilateral and regional levels, they bank on such initiatives as the reduction in roaming charges and harmonization of digital markets, modernization of transport networks and implementation of energy interconnection projects.
Pavel Filip noted that the Eastern Partnership initiative is a successful one, while the Summit is a good opportunity for assessing the accomplishments and setting the future priorities. It is essential for the EaP to regain the political weight and importance attached to it at the initial stage and to generate new projects. “It is important to give a new impetus, to think strategically and to have courage to set greater objectives. It is normal to expect each new Summit to be a step forward and the visionary approaches to prevail over momentary calculations,” he stated.
The Premier called on the European officials to maintain the political commitment and practical involvement in the relationship with the Eastern neighbors. “For us, it is a critical period, a period of difficult reforms and unpopular decisions. The visible presence of the EU in our region is crucial. I think the Eastern neighborhood remains the most fertile land where the involvement of the EU, based on European principles, values and good practices, can yield good results,” said Pavel Filip.
He noted that the positive messages from the EU member states make the authorities of the EaP countries to advance in doing reforms. “The European future of our citizens is our country project. It is important to think from the angle of European perspectives and aspirations,” said the Premier, adding that Moldova looks at things realistically and pragmatically and realizes the homework it must do.
The Eastern Partnership is an initiative of the European Union governing its relationship with the post-Soviet states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The last three states signed Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with the EU, which they have implemented since 2014, initially on a provisional basis. The project was initiated by Poland and a subsequent proposal was prepared in cooperation with Sweden. The first Eastern Partnership Summit was held in Prague in 2009 and similar events have been held since then once in two years.
