While reforms in the economic and banking sector advanced during 2018, the fundamental structural reforms of the judicial system, the fight against corruption, the prosecution of the banking fraud and ensuring media plurality were lagging behind. This is the conclusion of the Annual Report on the implementation of the Association Agreement for July 2018 - July 2019, IPN reports.

According to a press release of the European Commission, following the non-transparent invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau in June 2018, the EU and other international actors noted a backsliding in the rule of law and democracy situation, which are key values and principles at the core of the EU- Moldova Association Agreement. In light of these developments, the EU decided in 2018 to put on hold payments on budget support and macro financial assistance. It also recalibrated and reduced further financial support.

The press release mentions that the new government, which came to power in June 2019, committed itself to a strengthened and consistent implementation of the Association Agreement. The Government in Chisinau adopted a number of programs focused on the most urgent reforms and took significant steps, in particular on the electoral framework, in the fight against corruption and in the de-politicisation of state institutions. In response, the Commission resumed budget support assistance and signed three crucial financing agreements, altogether worth around €55 million.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, notes that the new Moldovan government has started an important reform plan to reinforce democracy and the rule of law in the country. “We expect the authorities to deliver on the commitments made and to implement the ambitious EU-Moldova Agreement, to the benefit of our citizens. As EU, we are ready to continue to accompany and support this work, because we value our friendship a lot”, said Federica Mogherini.

European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn argues that government financing agreements for sustainable local development and the rule of law, which have already been signed, will allow the implementation of programmes that bring tangible results for the people of Moldova. "We are ready to further strengthen our financial support and advice in response to the government's robust reform agenda. All these are clear signs of our appreciation for the steps already taken and an encouragement to the authorities to continue on their reform path,” said the official.

The report was prepared by the European External Action Service and the European Commission services.