MEP Petras Austrevicius expressed his conviction that Moldova’s future is in Europe, namely in the European Union, but he cannot say when Moldova will become part of this. His uncertainty is related mainly to the way in which the Moldovan government implements the EU – Moldova Association Agreement. The issue was developed in the program “Politics of Natalia Morari” on TV8 channel, IPN reports.
According to the MEP, who is the author of the report on the implementation of the Association Agreement that was discussed in Brussels recently, Moldova continues to implement the Agreement and particular progress was made in the financial and economic sectors, but the country should not be regarded as a market only. The report and the resolution adopted based on this should become the basis for political assessments of the processes taking place in Moldova.
The MEP said the development partners will follow attentively the electoral process for the upcoming parliamentary elections of Moldova, not only on the election day, but also during the election campaign and vote count. “We consider the Republic of Moldova is a serious partner and we cannot and should not examine the political activity during one day only. We will supervise things to see how the new electoral system affects the democratic processes in the election campaign,” stated Petras Austrevicius.
He noted he didn’t see sufficient arguments for the reforms done in the electoral field. “We base our opinions not on particular political conclusions, but on the conclusions of such a serious authority as the Venice Commission. I have to say here that there was particular criticism and this is kept,” said the MEP.
Petras Austrevicius noted clarity should be ensured as to the banking fraud and those involved in this theft should be punished. “If this story is considered a turned page and if someone suggests starting everything from the beginning, I don’t think this would be right,” he stated.
The European Parliament on November 14 adopted a resolution on the implementation of the EU - Moldova Association Agreement by 396 votes for, 76 votes against and 186 abstentions on November 14. The MEPs criticized Moldova for backsliding on democratic standards and the rule of law.
