The progress made by Moldova in implementing the Association Agreement with the EU in a number of areas was discussed in the second meeting of the Moldova – European Union Association Council in Brussels. The section devoted to political dialogue and reforms included discussions on the October 30 presidential elections, especially the way in which the recommendations of relevant international organizations are followed, IPN has learned from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

Among other subjects discussed were the measures taken to fulfill the commitments made to ensure the rule of law, including the Constitutional Court reform, corruption fighting, the public administration reform and cooperation with civil society. In this connection, the representatives of the EU expressed their readiness to assist the Republic of Moldova in implementing these reforms, noting the program of assistance in the public administration reform. In this regard, the Moldovan authorities were encouraged to include the local authorities in the reformation process and to ensure the promotion of the decentralization principle.

When addressing the justice sector reform and corruption fighting, details were presented about the new packages of law adopted by legislative body of Moldova within the priority reform action roadmap and about their implementation. The discussions on the economic sector included the dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the IMF and the level of implementing the recommendations formulated for the banking sector.

The discussions on cooperation in the commercial sector and, respectively, the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU will continue on October 19, within the Moldova – European Union Association Council’s meeting on trade. Such meetings are held annually to discuss the most important progress and the challenges faced in implementing the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU.