First results of implementing Association Agreement prove real changes in Moldova

Chisinau, 16 April /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman today met the ambassadors of the European Union member states accredited to Chisinau. The first results of implementing the Moldova-EU Association Agreement were unveiled at the event. An important issue of the talks was focused on the preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit, due in Riga and the sides' expectations from the event, the Foreign and European Integration Ministry's communication and media relations service has reported.

Gherman said that Moldova had made significant progress in the first five months after starting enforcing the Moldova-EU Association Agreement, despite the electoral period and in the absence of a functional parliament.

Among the Moldovan authorities' achievements, there were adjustment of national legislation to the EU one at a level of over 10 per cent, increase in exports to EU by 10 per cent, Moldova's connection to the EU energy network, by putting into operation of the Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline, ensuring access of private sector to diverse financing instruments. A good example in this respect is Moldova's participation in COSME Programme, which provides assistance to develop and enhance competitiveness of Small and Middle Enterprises' sector, etc. 

"The first outcomes of implementing the Association Agreement prove the beginning of real changes in Moldova, representing also an impetus to continue the reforms programme, especially fighting corruption, justice and financial and banking sector reform," the official said.

In the context, Gherman reiterated that, during the Riga summit, the Eastern Partnership states should get, on the basis of the results, an individual and differentiated approach in relation to the ambitions of each partner.

For their part, the ambassadors urged the authorities to boost the actions that bring concrete benefits for citizens. The diplomats re-confirmed the support for continuing Moldova's modernisation.

(Editor M. Jantovan)