European Union provides Moldovan government with 36.3 million euros for creating jobs, consolidated public administration

Chisinau, 21 December /MOLDPRES/ – The European Union has provided budget support to Moldova of €36.3 million. "More jobs, rising exports to the EU, a strengthened public administration, improved police services and accelerated rural development: these are the objectives of the EU’s assistance now," says a statement of the EU Delegation to Moldova.

The European funds are supposed to be used to implement the DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area) agreement between the EU and the Republic of Moldova, police reform, public finance policy reforms, implementation of visa liberalization with Europe as well as rural development and agriculture (ENPARD).

The financial support became available after government met all terms and got results within five programmes. The decision to make a €36.3 million payment out of €47 million (eligible) reflects the partial fulfillment of the conditions set out in agreements between the EU and Moldovan authorities.

The EU appreciates that Moldova has improved the competitiveness of the agri-food sector. The EU’s support also helped farmers to comply with European and international food quality standards. The Moldovan authorities adopted important market surveillance measures to ensure for goods on the Moldovan market meet highest standards for consumers and workers in Moldova, and ensure environment protection, safety and fairness of the commercial process.

The EU assistance has helped to improve functioning of info exchange for migration and border management, strengthen cooperation with EU Member States on those issues and strengthen capacity of Moldova to fight human trafficking and organized crime. The progress was also made in other actions, financially supported by the EU.

The EU delegation also points out that it will be significant for continuation of budget support in 2018 so that Moldova steps up its efforts to achieve results in the fight against high – level corruption and ensure independence and accountability of judiciary. Also, Moldova will have to ensure respect for all democratic mechanisms. Finally, a consistent ongoing implementation of agreement with the IMF and the implementation of the reforms which parties agreed on within the framework of budget support contracts will be very vital.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor M. Jantovan)