The second meeting of the EU–Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee has started in Chisinau. It is for the first time that the Committee meets in Chisinau. In the opening of the event, the Committee’s co-chairmen, Moldovan MP Mihai Ghimpu and Romanian MEP Andi Cristea, underlined the necessity of advancing reforms and of restoring the confidence of the people and of the external partners of Moldova, IPN reports.
In his speech, Mihai Ghimpu said that 2016 is a crucial year because the current government must regain the people’s and external partners’ confidence, especially because it is not at all easy following the theft of the billion that brought poverty. “We lost valuable years and I think that the goal of the theft wasn’t only to enrich someone, but to also compromise the European course. Despite the political failures, the country continues on the path of European integration owing to the formation of a parliamentary alliance,” he stated.
The politician noted that a roadmap was worked out for implementing the measures that were overdue at the end of 2015. This has been 60% carried out. The European integration and the implementation of the Association Agreement represent priorities for the government. “Today’s meeting is held in a not at all easy period for the Republic of Moldova. But not everything is lost. Today we have the opportunity to exchange opinions on the implementation of reforms in a number of areas. We have probably the last chance to convince the people that democracy is for their benefit, for their freedom,” said Mihai Ghimpu.
MEP Andi Cristea said that today is a reference moment because it is the first meeting held in Chisinau after the signing of the Association Agreement. At political level, stability is an essential condition. Many Moldovans during the last few months have demanded a better future. They protest and seek the eradication of corruption and depoliticization of the state institutions. “My call is not to stop the efforts. I think that together we can do a lot,” he stated.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Daniela Morari welcomed the ratification by the EU member states of the Association Agreement. “The full coming into force of this document is very important for the European course. We expect that the official announcement about the full coming into force will be made this semester. But the Republic of Moldova started to apply it in 2014 and some of the elements that were to be implemented after the accord fully takes effect are already carried out,” she stated.
The EU–Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee meets two times a year, in Brussels and in Chisinau. The first meeting of the Committee was held in Brussels on September 21-22, 2015.
