Members of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee in the evening of November 1 adopted a statement whereby they request the EU institutions to start the accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova as soon as possible following the fulfillment of the nine recommendations formulated by the European Commission in its opinion on the granting of the EU candidate status, says a message distributed by the communication team of MEP Siegfrid Mureșan, IPN reports.
The statement was adopted in the 12th meeting of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee that convened in Chisinau and was co-chaired by MEP Siegfried Mureșan as the Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee.
The official noted that the Moldovan authorities managed to swiftly implement the Commission’s recommendations despite the difficult situation in the Republic of Moldova caused by the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine. This points to a clear commitment to continue on the path to the EU.
As to the statement on the accession negotiations, Siegfried Mureșan said the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee asked the Commission to promptly communicate eventual additional conditions needed for opening the negotiations.
“Secondly, we request the European institutions to ensure additional financial support, including non-reimbursable European funds, for supporting the accession process in the Republic of Moldova and for managing the energy crisis. The Russian Federation continuously blackmails the Republic of Moldova with higher gas prices and cuts in gas supplies. We, as until now, need to stand by the authorities and citizens of the Republic of Moldova in their efforts to reduce energy dependence on Russia,” stated the MEP.
“We also ask to conclude an agreement on the abolition of roaming charges between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova. My position here is clear: what we offer to Ukraine should be also offered to the Republic of Moldova. If the EU decides to abolish the roaming charges for Ukraine, the same should be done for the Republic of Moldova. Last but not least, we ask to fully liberalize trade and transport from the Republic of Moldova to the European Union and to accelerate the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European common market.
“The statement we adopted yesterday transmits a clear signal of support for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, for its reform process and in connection with the energy crisis caused by Russia. The Republic of Moldova, which is an EU candidate state, is a member of our European family. It daily proves its determination to continue on the European path despite the pressure exerted by Russia’s war in Ukraine. We, the European Parliament, will continue supporting these efforts as they bring benefits to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and the citizens of all the European Union member states,” said Siegfried Mureșan.
