Talks on new Moldova-EU accord could start by yearend, French State Secretary

Negotiations on a new legal arrangement between Moldova and the European Union could be authorized during France's ongoing EU presidency, that is, until the end of this year, said French State Secretary for European Affairs Jean-Pierre Jouyet on Monday, upon completion of his visit to Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. It's not the date of signing that counts the most but rather the essence of this document, which has to be a close accord, particular to the relationship between Moldova and the EU, said the French official at a joint conference with his Moldovan counterpart. For his part, Andrei Stratan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, has stated that Moldova hopes that the future political arrangement will provide for mechanisms to liberalize trade, ease visa requirements, ensure energy security, etc. Both officials declined to say when Moldova could acquire the status of candidate for EU membership. “It's important that the already attained progress is consolidated and negotiations proceed one step at a time”, said Jean-Pierre Jouyet. The French official also remarked that the relationship between Moldova and the EU is more advance than with certain Balkan countries. He suggested that Moldova could get ahead of certain Balkan countries on its road to EU membership, on condition that the Transnistrian conflict is settled soon. Among the other goals yet to be achieved by Moldova, Jean-Pierre Jouyet mentioned curbing corruption, freedom of the press, conducting of free and fair elections. “It is too early to say when exactly Moldova will join the EU or will become a candidate for membership, but what matters to us at this point is the green light that France's EU presidency has shown to us on our path to integration”, declared Stratan.