Trade between Moldova and the European Union continues without deviations, but the persons involved in these activities should respect several strict rules designed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko said in a video interview for IPN.

“So, the commercial rules are not changed. If the transportation takes place with the involvement of persons, drivers, all the health, hygiene rules applied in the transit countries should be obeyed. Imports and exports continue and this is one of the realities that can keep our economies viable. The people can have access to goods. Without this, it is much harder,” stated the diplomat.

As to the EU’s decision to close the internal borders, including for European citizens from other states, Peter Michalko said these decisions are essential for stopping the spread, but particular exceptions are applied in this case.

“This is a measure to prevent the spread of the virus that is not related to one country or another. The virus can go as it is tied to humans and the only method of limiting it is to stop contacts. In the period, it is normal for some of the persons who are outside the countries in which they live to need to travel, to go back to their countries of origin and possibilities are created by maximally respecting the rules to protect against the spread of the virus. According to these rules, they must remain isolated for 14 days. This is necessary and we should call on everyone to respect this rule as it was designed to protect the others. This is a very important principle that helps us,” said the ambassador.

The interview given to IPN News Agency by the Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau Peter Michalko forms part of the series “Moldova’s Relations with Development Partners” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany.