"The European Union is ready to increase financial support and consultancy support to endorse the Government's ambitious reform agenda," says EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini. The official expressed her hope that the first instalment of macro-financial assistance for the Republic of Moldova could be disbursed soon. "All this is a clear signal of the EU's appreciation of the reforms already implemented by the Chisinau authorities, as well as of the expectations regarding the next steps." The statements were made at a press conference held today, September 30, in Brussels after the fifth meeting of the Moldova-EU Association Council, IPN reports.
Federica Mogherini mentioned that there were discussed important reforms launched to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. "In these three months, you have set out on this path with great determination for the benefit of your citizens. It is also a path essential to our partnership, so that we all have the most to gain from this Association Agreement, for the benefit of Moldovan and EU citizens," stated the Vice-President of the European Commission.
In her opinion, it is important for the Republic of Moldova to achieve results and deliver on the commitments it has made. "We need to make sure that our partnership evolves over time - this is another important element. That is why today we have agreed to update the Association Agenda and to set new priorities based on which the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement will evolve in the coming years. As in the past, our support will continue to be based on strict conditionality and on the concrete progress of the reforms, but just as in the past we will support you and stand by you with advice, perhaps even more than in the past,” said Federica Mogherini.
The official mentioned that in June, European leaders assigned the Commission the task to focus on a set of measures to support Moldova based on the sustained implementation of the Association Agreement and the DCFTA. "We resumed disbursements for budget support assistance in June this year. I also signed the financing agreement with the Government to carry out programs on sustainable development and the rule of law”, noted Federica Mogherini.
In other news, the official has noted that the local elections on October 20 represent an important test on the respect for international standards.
"The long and friendly meeting offered me the opportunity to confirm to the Prime Minister and the Moldovan delegation that the EU continues to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova, with a special status for Transnistria, within Moldova’s internationally recognized borders. Negotiations in the 5 + 2 format have made some progress, which must continue, especially during the next round in Slovakia next week,” said Federica Mogherini.
At the same press conference, Prime Minister Maia Sandu has stated that today the Government’s accomplishments in the first one hundred days have been discussed. "We have made a commitment here on behalf of all Government institutions, on behalf of all the institutions in charge of the implementation of the Association Agreement, to carry out these actions," said Maia Sandu.
The head of the cabinet has said that the Republic of Moldova needs financial assistance from the EU. "It is encouraging to reconfirm the news that we can get the two instalments of macro-financial assistance by the end of this year. Obviously, if we succeed in meeting all the conditions and this is our intention - to fulfil all the commitments”, specified Maia Sandu.
According to the officials, the talks will continue during the visit that Federica Mogherini will make in the Republic of Moldova in a few days.
