The 2014 European Neighborhood Policy Progress Report for Moldova shows stagnation in development, said political analyst Igor Botan. He stated for IPN that the report, presented by the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola on March 30, contains very clear signals for the authorities, but also disappointment with what is going on in Moldova.

Igor Botan said Ambassador Tapiola tried to avoid the sharp angles, but had to remind about the situation in the financial-banking sector under the pressure of circumstances. “Mister Tapiola had to remind about what we call the theft of the century and he wondered how such a large sum could be stolen from such a small country. I consider things are more than evident – the people and the European bodies are very disappointed and everything depends on Moldova’s people now. If the people of Moldova think that the Europeans come to solve our problems, they are wrong,” he stated.

The analyst noted that Europe provides assistance to Moldova from the taxes paid by the European taxpayers. “If the European taxpayers find out that Moldova’s crafty people steal their money, the European bodies will have to take measures. The message for Moldova is clear – bring back the stolen money and we will then see! I think this is correct,” said Igor Botan.

He also said that a number of Moldovan high-ranking officials admit that this is a theft, but avoid specifying its size. But the sum will anyway be determined and things will be then very ugly.

When presenting the repot, Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola said the situation in the financial-banking sector of the country is worrisome and a thorough investigation is needed so as to punish those who stole the money and to recover at least a part of the losses.