Moldovan PM says changes in Eastern Partnership states deserve political visionary decision of approach from EU side in perspectives

Chisinau, 14 May /MOLDPRES/ – Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, has participated today at the High Level Conference dedicated to the Xth anniversary of the establishment of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), held in Brussels, Belgium, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

The Prime Minister said that since the launch of EaP 10 years ago, its main objective so far is still close to the six EU countries. For Moldova, this goal is materialised by means of implementation of the Association Agreement.

As for the lessons learnt, the Premier said that "one can do nothing without a dedicated team, strengthened capacities of all involved parties, effective communication, but especially political will to promote reforms." Currently, as a result of efforts to implement the Association Agenda, EU is Moldova's first trading partner, and over two million Moldovan citizens have benefited from the visa – free regime.

The head of Executive welcomed the Sibiu Declaration, confirming the European perspective for the European countries. Also, the Premier appreciated the launch of the reflection process on the future of the Eastern Partnership, underlining the importance of developing a new long – term vision. In this context, PM presented five key issues:

1. Turning from cooperation to cohesion;

2. More positive changes for citizens, with a stronger focus on service development;

3. Economic development, including mitigation of vulnerabilities to external shocks;

4. Security and resilience, which must become real EaP priorities;

5. New horizons and new opportunities for cooperation and integration.

"The changes taking place in the EaP countries deserve, in perspectives, a political visionary approach from the EU side," said Pavel Filip.