The Government today formally launched negotiations with the European Commission on a funding agreement to consolidate the rule of law and anti-corruption mechanisms in Moldova.

The funding is expected to help Moldovan authorities develop mechanisms to prevent and fight corruption, develop a zero-tolerance attitude towards corruption among the general public, and promote mechanisms for recovering ill-gotten proceeds.

The European Union offers 8 million euros and the German Agency for International Cooperation contributes another 0.5 million euros. The money is offered in the form of a grant.

“These funds will contribute to the involvement of citizens in decision-making, in particular at local level, so that citizens can understand the damage done by corruption and enable them to monitor the fight against corruption. The grant agreement will help us develop a more effective system of declaring assets and interests and of identifying risks,” stated Finance Minister Natalia Gavrilița.

The agreement duration is 60 months.