The relations between the EU and Moldova reached a high level and the Association Agreement is progressing well. Such Agreements have been applied in the past with countries that developed close ties with the EU and some of them even went on to join the Community, EU Ambassador to Moldova Peter Michalko told IPN during an interview. He thinks that relations between Moldova and the EU developed at a faster rate than expected and the European market now accounts for 70% of all Moldovan exports.
“This is an extraordinary result after just five years, it came much sooner than experts predicted. It also debunked some myths that circulated before. For example, one such myth was that the agrifood sector would be harmed by Free Trade Agreement. This didn’t happen. Agrifood exports grew faster than in the industrial sector. Just imagine, agrifood exports increased by 44% compared to the period before the Free Trade Agreement. The industrial sector witnessed a growth of 11%”, said the diplomat.
The head of the EU Delegation noted that there are also many investments underway in the industrial sector, which will boost exports in the future. “Even in the agrifood sector, the future still has place for growth. When the standards for products of animal origin are implemented, the exports will increase even more. This should happen in the coming years. I cannot say for sure when, but we want it to happen as soon as possible and I’m sure Moldovan farmers want the same thing. Everything is in the hands of responsible agencies, such as ANSA. We are providing them with assistance”, said Michalko.
The EU official also listed a series of successful projects in the field of education and science. The Horizon programme allows for research cooperation with European universities and is an opportunity for Moldovan institutions to join the latest and most complex contemporary scientific enterprises. “During a transition period, when the necessary resources are lacking, this helps the country keep up with the latest research and science. I think these are very positive experiences and we hope this is a positive agenda we’ll be able to use in the next years, including in fields were progress was below par, where we had some letdowns and would like to see some improvement”, explained Michalko.
The EU Ambassador thinks the visa-free regime is another positive experience. “Over two million Moldovan citizens made use of this opportunity, they travelled in Europe, came back and brought more experience home. Cooperation in the field of education and research is equally important. The Erasmus programme helped over 1000 young people study in Europe and return home. They are the future of this country, academic and economic, they will bring European standards here, the best standards in the world”, enthused the diplomat.
He answered concerns that Moldova’s visa-free privileges might be stripped away by saying that this is a question for the next government. “I have already said that we are open and we want to continue our relations the way they are established. We are waiting for Moldova to fulfill its commitments sooner so that we can continue our support and assistance for Moldova and make changes for the better. This includes visa liberalization, because this process has very clearly articulated expectations”, the Ambassador explained.
“For this, Moldova must take steps without hesitation to fight corruption and money laundering. These measures concern the rule of law and it’s up to the Moldovan authorities to do it as soon as possible. We hope that our expectations and those of the Moldovan people will be met, because the people who live in a country neighboring the EU, who work a lot, have the right to a better future. We hope they will be offered and delivered this better future”, Peter Michalko told IPN.
