Moldova and the European Union had a first round of consultations on Thursday, January 16, in Chisinau and have established priorities for cooperation regarding the Association Agenda. In the field of political dialogue and reforms, focus will be on actions regarding the rule of law, the justice reforms, the fight against corruption and the freedom of expression, IPN reports.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the talks about foreign policy and security concerned the strengthening of cooperation between Moldova and the EU in the areas of conflict prevention and crisis management. Special attention was paid to the topic of justice, freedom and security, especially regarding the protection of personal data, migration and asylum, the reform of the police, the fight against organized crime and border administration.

Cooperation goals in the field of economy were also discussed. The EU will support Moldova in ensuring a functional market economy by gradually adjusting national legislation to the European one, by strengthening macroeconomic stability, the financial system and a sustainable balance sheet.

Concerning trade, the two sides share a common vision about the priorities in applying the provisions for the creation of a Free Trade Area. The focus will be on competition, copyright, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, commercial statistics and steps towards eliminating technical barriers for trade.

After today's consultations, the text of the Association Agenda is for the most part agreed on and will be finalized during the next round that will take place in Brussels, at the end of February.