The Republic of Moldova should continue the process of implementing reforms, especially in justice and the fight against corruption, while the European Union will offer support in this regard, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said in a news conference held jointly with Prime Minister Pavel Filip after the third meeting of the EU – Moldova Association Council, IPN reports, quoting the Moldovan Government’s press service.
Johannes Hahn said the meeting was an opportunity for reasserting the commitment to fully implement the Association Agreement and the importance of the European Union – Republic of Moldova partnership.
“We discussed the connection between the Association Agreement and the national reform agenda of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the reforms in particular key areas. The European Union’s assistance is significant and is aimed at supporting the strategic objectives of the Association Agreement. This will improve the living conditions of the citizens in a visible and tangible manner. The European Union is determined to continue to offer support to Moldova on its path or in ensuring political stability, implementing democratic reforms and in economic development,” stated the European official.
For his part, Pavel Filip noted that the EU report on the implementation of the Agreement, besides data concerning the taken measures and existing shortcomings, also shows that 2016 was a year of new beginnings for the Republic of Moldova. The Premier assured that the authorities remain committed to do reforms to develop the country and create decent living conditions for the citizens.
“Our goal is to make sure that 2017 is the year when these beginnings in the reform sphere start to produce the first visible results for the people. For us, 2016 was the year of stabilization, while 2017 is the year of growth and investments and, I would add, of implementation too. In this process, we will be guided by the Association Agenda, which will be approved in the nearest future, and the National Plan of Action for implementing the Association Agreement with the EU. The political association and economic integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union gradually takes shape and grows in intensity,” stated Pavel Filip.
As to the key areas on which the Moldovan executive centers, Pavel Filip said the authorities already took a number of measures to fight corruption, investigate the banking fraud, do the justice sector reform and create conditions for the economic development of Moldova. “We also want media pluralism and I take this opportunity to invite the international media to invest in Moldova: we are a vibrant society with potential,” said the Prime Minister.
He also noted that Moldova fully shares the objective that is actively promoted by the EU - to increase resilience to internal and external challenges and ensure security in the region.
