“We want to remain a partner of the Republic of Moldova, but want both of the sides to respect their commitments, not only we. The money from the macro-financial assistance approved by the EU for the Republic of Moldova will come to Chisinau after February 2019, when the new power is installed,” Lithuanian MEP Petras Auštrevičius, who is the author of the most recent report on the implementation of the Moldova-EU Association Agreement, stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe that is quoted by IPN.

Petras Auštrevičius said the reforms done in the banking system are rather god. But he cannot say the same about the reforms in the legal system or the ensuring of the rule of law. According to the MEP, the recent fiscal reform on capital amnesty is a big problem for the EU. As the International Monetary Fund also said, these changes were made in a hurry. Some of the governmental and parliamentary officials probably wanted to make these changes faster, but they are very problematic and could legalize the transfers of ill-gotten gains and dubious capital transfers.

The EU remains critical and reserved in appreciating the current political, social and juridical situation in Moldova. The MEP reminds that the election outcome and the people’s will to have Andrei Năstase as mayor of Chisinau weren’t respected. “We are very concerned about the rule of law, democracy and independence of justice in Moldova. That’s why we cannot take a decision concerning the macro-financial assistance even if we understand that Moldova needs our support. Only after the next elections and after the new power is installed, we can return to this decision,” stated Petras Auštrevičius.

Until the elections of next February, the EU expects Chisinau to remember the commitments undertaken when signing the Association Agreement.